Washington state has some amazing terrain, and soaring mountains. Those mountains some with some deep valleys. To get across them, the industrious engineers of Washington have built some amazing bridges. Here are the top 3 highest bridges in Washington State.
The High Steel Bridge stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering, soaring 375 feet above the South Fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington. This impressive structure, nestled in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a living monument to the region’s rich logging history.
Constructed in 1929 by the American Bridge Company for the Simpson Logging Company, the High Steel Bridge was originally built to support a rail line crucial for expanding logging operations in the Olympic Peninsula. The bridge’s steel truss arch design was an innovative choice for its time, as most logging bridges were temporary wooden structures. This permanent design reflected the logging company’s significant investment in the area’s timber industry.
Spanning 685 feet across the river gorge, the High Steel Bridge is not only a feat of engineering but also a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
In the 1960s, the bridge was converted for road use, paved with concrete to accommodate vehicles while still maintaining its historical integrity.
Today, the High Steel Bridge serves multiple purposes:
Transportation: It continues to play a vital role in local infrastructure as part of National Forest Service Road #2340.
Historical Landmark: The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1982, recognizing its significance to the region’s history.
Tourist Attraction: Thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the bridge for its dizzying height and the panoramic views it offers of the Olympic National Forest2.
Visitors to the High Steel Bridge can experience the exhilaration of standing 375 feet above the rushing Skokomish River, surrounded by the lush, forested landscape that characterizes the Olympic Peninsula. The bridge’s accessibility to pedestrians makes it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing, offering a unique perspective on Washington’s natural beauty.
As one of the tallest bridges in Washington State, the High Steel Bridge remains a proud symbol of the region’s industrial heritage and engineering prowess. It stands as a reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the Pacific Northwest, while continuing to serve and inspire new generations of visitors and locals alike.
Not only is this the tallest of the bridges in Washington state, it is the only one of the three that you can walk across (legally). The Hoffstadt Bridge is a vehicle-only bridge, and the Vance Creek Bridge is on private property and technically off limits, but more on that later.
The Hoffstadt Creek Bridge stands as an impressive testament to human engineering, soaring 370 feet above the North Fork Toutle River in Cowlitz County, Washington. This awe-inspiring structure offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-see destination for both engineering enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Completed in 1991, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is an integral part of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504), which leads to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument1. The bridge’s construction was necessitated by the devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, which destroyed the original highway.
By elevating the new route high above the river, engineers ensured greater safety from potential debris flows and flood damage. The bridge’s design is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a deck truss structure with a main span stretching an impressive 600 feet (183 meters).
The continuous truss was built using an innovative cantilevering technique, with the central span extended from each side after the outer spans were erected on falsework. This method allowed for efficient construction while minimizing environmental impact.
Visitors to the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge are treated to panoramic views of the recovering landscape, showcasing nature’s resilience in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption. The western end of the bridge marks the westernmost edge of the blast zone, providing a stark visual reminder of the eruption’s power.
A conveniently located parking lot and viewpoint offer opportunities to safely admire the bridge’s structure and the surrounding scenery.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is part of a popular route. Many bicyclists traverse the entire length of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, with the bridge serving as a highlight of their journey. The bridge’s total length of nearly half a mile (2,340 feet) offers an exhilarating ride with unparalleled vistas.
The Hoffstadt Creek Bridge not only serves a crucial role in the region’s infrastructure but also stands as a symbol of human perseverance and adaptability in the face of natural disasters. Its elegant design harmoniously blends with the rugged landscape, creating a unique synergy between architectural achievement and environmental beauty. For anyone exploring Washington State’s remarkable bridges, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is an essential stop that promises both inspiration and awe-inspiring views.
Vance Creek Bridge (347 feet)
Vance Creek Bridge
The Vance Creek Bridge, soaring 347 feet above the south fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington, stands as a testament to the region’s logging history and engineering prowess. Built in 1929, this impressive structure is the second-highest railway arch bridge ever constructed in the United States.
Originally part of the Simpson Logging Company’s rail network, the Vance Creek Bridge played a crucial role in the area’s timber industry until its abandonment in the 1980s. The bridge’s steel frame stretches 422 feet across the deep, forested valley, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Peninsula’s lush landscape.
In recent years, the Vance Creek Bridge has gained notoriety as a popular destination for thrill-seekers and photographers. Social media exposure around 2013 led to a surge in visitors, transforming this once-hidden gem into a controversial attraction4. The bridge’s precarious nature, with its narrow wooden planks and lack of safety barriers, has made it both alluring and dangerous for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
However, it’s crucial to note that the Vance Creek Bridge is located on private property and is officially closed to the public. The increased foot traffic has led to significant damage, including graffiti, broken railroad ties, and even a fire incident.
These issues have prompted stricter enforcement of trespassing laws by local authorities, resulting in fines and legal consequences for those attempting to access the bridge.
The fate of the Vance Creek Bridge remains uncertain. While some advocate for its preservation and potential development as a tourist attraction, others argue for its removal due to safety concerns. The bridge’s future hangs in balance, much like its steel frame over the Skokomish River valley.
Despite its closure, the Vance Creek Bridge continues to captivate the imagination of many, serving as a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty and industrial heritage. Its towering presence in the Olympic National Forest landscape remains a powerful reminder of the region’s logging past and the enduring allure of human engineering in harmony with nature.
Final Thoughts On Washington’s Tallest Bridges
Washington State has some of the tallest bridges. They offer amazing views and exciting times for those who love adventure. The High Steel Bridge is very tall, and the Vance Creek Bridge is beautiful. Each one shows a special story of smart engineering and nature’s beauty. When you explore these bridges, you will feel amazed. You will also see how beautiful the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are. Whether you are a brave explorer or just a traveler, these bridges in Washington will give you a memorable experience in the lovely Evergreen State.
Plan your next adventure and see the stunning Vance Creek Bridge and High Steel Bridge for yourself!
Tallest Bridges of Washington State
Washington state has some amazing terrain, and soaring mountains. Those mountains some with some deep valleys. To get across them, the industrious engineers of Washington have built some amazing bridges. Here are the top 3 highest bridges in Washington State.
10 Washington State Suspension Bridge Hikes
High Steel Bridge (375 Feet)
The High Steel Bridge stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering, soaring 375 feet above the South Fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington. This impressive structure, nestled in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a living monument to the region’s rich logging history.
Constructed in 1929 by the American Bridge Company for the Simpson Logging Company, the High Steel Bridge was originally built to support a rail line crucial for expanding logging operations in the Olympic Peninsula. The bridge’s steel truss arch design was an innovative choice for its time, as most logging bridges were temporary wooden structures. This permanent design reflected the logging company’s significant investment in the area’s timber industry.
Spanning 685 feet across the river gorge, the High Steel Bridge is not only a feat of engineering but also a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
In the 1960s, the bridge was converted for road use, paved with concrete to accommodate vehicles while still maintaining its historical integrity.
Today, the High Steel Bridge serves multiple purposes:
Visitors to the High Steel Bridge can experience the exhilaration of standing 375 feet above the rushing Skokomish River, surrounded by the lush, forested landscape that characterizes the Olympic Peninsula. The bridge’s accessibility to pedestrians makes it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing, offering a unique perspective on Washington’s natural beauty.
As one of the tallest bridges in Washington State, the High Steel Bridge remains a proud symbol of the region’s industrial heritage and engineering prowess. It stands as a reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the Pacific Northwest, while continuing to serve and inspire new generations of visitors and locals alike.
Not only is this the tallest of the bridges in Washington state, it is the only one of the three that you can walk across (legally). The Hoffstadt Bridge is a vehicle-only bridge, and the Vance Creek Bridge is on private property and technically off limits, but more on that later.
Hoffstadt Creek Bridge (370 feet)
The Hoffstadt Creek Bridge stands as an impressive testament to human engineering, soaring 370 feet above the North Fork Toutle River in Cowlitz County, Washington. This awe-inspiring structure offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-see destination for both engineering enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Completed in 1991, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is an integral part of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504), which leads to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument1. The bridge’s construction was necessitated by the devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, which destroyed the original highway.
By elevating the new route high above the river, engineers ensured greater safety from potential debris flows and flood damage.
The bridge’s design is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a deck truss structure with a main span stretching an impressive 600 feet (183 meters).
The continuous truss was built using an innovative cantilevering technique, with the central span extended from each side after the outer spans were erected on falsework. This method allowed for efficient construction while minimizing environmental impact.
Visitors to the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge are treated to panoramic views of the recovering landscape, showcasing nature’s resilience in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption. The western end of the bridge marks the westernmost edge of the blast zone, providing a stark visual reminder of the eruption’s power.
A conveniently located parking lot and viewpoint offer opportunities to safely admire the bridge’s structure and the surrounding scenery.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is part of a popular route. Many bicyclists traverse the entire length of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, with the bridge serving as a highlight of their journey. The bridge’s total length of nearly half a mile (2,340 feet) offers an exhilarating ride with unparalleled vistas.
The Hoffstadt Creek Bridge not only serves a crucial role in the region’s infrastructure but also stands as a symbol of human perseverance and adaptability in the face of natural disasters. Its elegant design harmoniously blends with the rugged landscape, creating a unique synergy between architectural achievement and environmental beauty. For anyone exploring Washington State’s remarkable bridges, the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge is an essential stop that promises both inspiration and awe-inspiring views.
Vance Creek Bridge (347 feet)
The Vance Creek Bridge, soaring 347 feet above the south fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington, stands as a testament to the region’s logging history and engineering prowess. Built in 1929, this impressive structure is the second-highest railway arch bridge ever constructed in the United States.
Originally part of the Simpson Logging Company’s rail network, the Vance Creek Bridge played a crucial role in the area’s timber industry until its abandonment in the 1980s. The bridge’s steel frame stretches 422 feet across the deep, forested valley, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Peninsula’s lush landscape.
In recent years, the Vance Creek Bridge has gained notoriety as a popular destination for thrill-seekers and photographers. Social media exposure around 2013 led to a surge in visitors, transforming this once-hidden gem into a controversial attraction4. The bridge’s precarious nature, with its narrow wooden planks and lack of safety barriers, has made it both alluring and dangerous for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
However, it’s crucial to note that the Vance Creek Bridge is located on private property and is officially closed to the public. The increased foot traffic has led to significant damage, including graffiti, broken railroad ties, and even a fire incident.
These issues have prompted stricter enforcement of trespassing laws by local authorities, resulting in fines and legal consequences for those attempting to access the bridge.
The fate of the Vance Creek Bridge remains uncertain. While some advocate for its preservation and potential development as a tourist attraction, others argue for its removal due to safety concerns. The bridge’s future hangs in balance, much like its steel frame over the Skokomish River valley.
Despite its closure, the Vance Creek Bridge continues to captivate the imagination of many, serving as a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty and industrial heritage. Its towering presence in the Olympic National Forest landscape remains a powerful reminder of the region’s logging past and the enduring allure of human engineering in harmony with nature.
Final Thoughts On Washington’s Tallest Bridges
Washington State has some of the tallest bridges. They offer amazing views and exciting times for those who love adventure. The High Steel Bridge is very tall, and the Vance Creek Bridge is beautiful. Each one shows a special story of smart engineering and nature’s beauty. When you explore these bridges, you will feel amazed. You will also see how beautiful the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are. Whether you are a brave explorer or just a traveler, these bridges in Washington will give you a memorable experience in the lovely Evergreen State.
Plan your next adventure and see the stunning Vance Creek Bridge and High Steel Bridge for yourself!
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