
The Trestle across Salmon Creek was originally constructed to provide rail service to the Pope & Talbot mill.
By SUE CATHCART/for The Herald — The historic trestle bridge over Salmon Creek is one step closer to being repaired and restored for recreational use. The Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge was selected as a finalist to receive grant funding from the Oregon Recreation and Parks District (ORPD).
A joint grant effort

Though time has taken its toll on the rail spur, Hope has been rekindled that it and the bridge may be repurposed for bike and pedestrian traffic thanks to hardworking efforts of volunteers.
Volunteers on the Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge Committee and the City of Oakridge recently submitted a grant application for $40,000. The final recipients of the grant will be released on September 20. If awarded, the grant will fund a detailed engineering study. The study would determine the repairs required and the associated costs to convert the historic bridge for recreational use.

The timberwork on the north side of the trestle.
Converting the trestle ties recreational activities together
The existing abandoned bridge is a prime candidate for conversion for pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized use. The trestle is no longer suitable for commercial or industrial use. Also, converting the bridge to pedestrian and bicycle use will provide the only non-motorized link between many areas of Oakridge. The bridge would link Greenwaters Park, Salmon Creek Park, the Mill Park areas, and the Uptown Commercial district. It will link community parks, existing trail systems, while also providing safe access to people of all ages and abilities to more recreation opportunities. The pedestrian bridge would also provide safe routes to schools and parks. Furthermore, it would provide stunning views of Salmon Creek and its surrounding natural habitats.

Sue Cathcart has worn many hats. She has worked as a civil engineer, yoga and qigong instructor, and bicycle mechanic. Most recently, she coaches the Oakridge/Westfir youth mountain bike team.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.