We were driving through the winding backroads of Oregon, completely wrapped up in the glow of peak fall colors—those deep golds, fiery oranges, and the kind of reds that only show up for a few short weeks each year.  Since Oregon has the most covered bridges west of the Mississippi, it only makes sense to hunt for them, and what better time than fall? As we rounded a curve, a beautiful old wooden structure appeared like something out of a storybook: the Chitwood Bridge.
 
Built in 1926, the Chitwood Bridge is one of Oregon’s historic covered bridges, originally constructed to connect the small railroad town of Chitwood with surrounding communities. For decades, it served as an essential crossing over the Yaquina River, carrying travelers, farmers, and timber workers through the heart of the coast range. The bridge was restored in the 1980s after falling into disrepair, preserving its classic Howe truss design and keeping a piece of Oregon’s heritage alive.