All covered bridges are recipients of the weather, especially in the Pacific Northwest.  Ritner Creek Covered Bridge was no exception. Built in 1927 by Hamer and Curry Contractors for the State of Oregon it was ready to be removed for a new bridge in 1975. During that time, the Residents of Peedee, The Polk County Parks & Recreation, the State of Oregon banded together to preserve the cultural  beauty to its former self. Property was obtained and a new wayside park was designed and set up for it (downstream from its original location).

The Ritner Creek Bridge is now on the National Historic Register. In years past it was used for weddings, community picnics, dances and young boys fishing out of the windows.

The small wayside park provides parking, picnicking, historical signage, access to the covered bridge deck to experience the inside of the barn-like structure. Local residents continue to provide improvements and upkeep.

Photographs by Vincent Zollner Photography