Built in 1969, this 66-foot bridge crosses Jacoby Creek in Bayside. Created by Earl Biehn and James Roscoe to connect the Brookwood subdivision.
Standing over Jacoby Creek in Bayside near Arcata, Brookwood Covered Bridge represents a remarkable 1969 tribute to 19th-century traditions. Built by real estate agent Earl Biehn and Humboldt State engineering professor James Roscoe, this 66-foot span was designed as a gift of beauty to Humboldt County, briefly outdrawing Redwood National Park with 100+ daily visitors.
The bridge emerged from necessity and creativity. After failing to salvage steel from 1964 flood-destroyed bridges, Roscoe discovered a covered bridge design in old engineering textbooks. The five-year project (1964-1969) cost $19,600—equivalent to $150,000-200,000 today—and serves as the sole access for 20+ Brookwood subdivision homes.
At 66 feet, it's Humboldt County's longest covered bridge. The innovative exterior pedestrian walkway provides safe passage alongside vehicle traffic. Open sides bring natural light while the red-and-white exterior creates classic aesthetics. A 2018 restoration included California's first covered bridge fumigation for beetle infestation.
Located in Bayside off Jacoby Creek Road. From Highway 101, take Samoa Blvd/Arcata exit, drive 1.8 miles on Old Arcata Road, continue 1.3 miles on Jacoby Creek Road, then right onto Brookwood Drive. GPS: 40.9012°N, 124.0678°W. Best visited spring-summer. The bridge decorates for Halloween and Christmas, creating photogenic seasonal visits.
Historic 1862 covered bridge at South Yuba River State Park. Longest single-span wooden covered bridge in the world, spanning 230 feet over the South Yuba River.
Historic 1864 covered bridge spanning the Stanislaus River. At 355 feet, it's the longest covered bridge in California and west of the Mississippi River.
Historic covered bridge in Yosemite National Park, built in 1868 by Galen Clark. The only covered bridge in the western region of the National Park System.