Happy Valley Trail Bridge Replacement

The Deschutes National Forest replaced an old trail bridge over the North Fork of Tumalo Creek that had significant structure rot, missing and rotten decking, and was listing to one side. The bridge, a feature of the Metolius-Windigo Trail provides hiking, equestrian and mountain biking access to the Happy Valley area west of Tumalo Falls. This key creek crossing ensures connectivity for a number of popular loop routes in the area. The new trail bridge is in the same location but is slightly longer and situated higher than the previous one – two changes that will keep it safe from high water events and help with long term sustainability. The bridge is made of rot-resistant materials and, barring an accident like a tree strike or wildfire, it’s estimated the bridge will last for 30+ years.   

Project Benefits

• Improves Visitor Experience This project improves visitor experience by facilitating safe access across the North Fork of Tumalo Creek. The bridge provides connectivity within a popular trails network that features an equestrian trail, mountain biking loop, and day-hiking destination.
• Economic Benefits: Safe, well-maintained trails are a crucial component of Central Oregon’s recreation and tourism industry and a leading benefit for residents.   
• Other Benefits:
  • Protects critical stream habitat by encouraging trail traffic to use the bridge, as opposed to a ford which can create stream bank collapse, sedimentation, and other disturbances.   

Deferred Maintenance Eliminated:  $3,189.89

Leveraging Partners: Two independent, Oregon-based volunteers worked with us on this project.  Their contributions on this technical project were invaluable.