Built in 1892, this is the tallest covered bridge in the United States at 35 feet high. It served as Felton's main entry for 45 years.
Standing 35 feet tall over the San Lorenzo River in Felton, this 1892 structure holds the distinction of being the tallest covered bridge in the United States. For 46 years, it faithfully served as the San Lorenzo Valley's main wagon bridge, the sole entry to Felton and vital link for transporting freight between the valley and outside markets. Its architectural rarity and historical significance earned it California Historical Landmark status in 1969.
Built in 1892 for $4,677, the bridge employed local redwood and a Brown Truss structural system. When the bridge faced demolition in 1938 to be replaced by an iron structure, Felton citizens protested in support of preservation—marking the first western example of saving bypassed bridges. The iron bridge was placed downstream, and Felton's covered bridge retired to pedestrian use. After storm damage in 1982, a 1987 restoration used native materials and local talent to return it to original elegance.
The 80-foot bridge features a mixed Pratt-Warren truss construction with iron diagonals and vertical timber compression members. At 35 feet tall, its towering height exceeds all other covered bridges in America. Built of local redwood, it represents the last of California's redwood spans. The distinctive height resulted from the need to span high above the San Lorenzo River's flood-prone banks.
Located in Felton Covered Bridge Park on Covered Bridge Road at Graham Hill Road. From Highway 17, take Mount Hermon Road to Graham Hill Road. GPS: 37.0507°N, 122.0713°W. The park offers picnic areas, playground, volleyball courts, and grassy spaces. The bridge is now pedestrian-only. Best visited spring-summer. The Felton Volunteer Fire Department maintains the bridge through funds from their annual pancake breakfast held on the bridge.
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.