February 1: Gallons of Fun - I’ve Got It Covered

Roaring waterfalls, rushing rivers, and the ancient “Gallon House” wooden-covered bridge over a cascading creek – today’s ride on small country backroads was chock full of delightful vistas.

With potential snow flurries predicted to the west, north, and east of me I decided to head south this morning across the Oregon City bridge to the historic Willamette Falls. Stopping to take in the voluminous sheets of white tumbling waters just north of the overpass, I caught sight of a small patch of blue sky peeking through the storm clouds above.

Continuing along the river’s edge past the broad-sweeping blue and silver waters of the Willamette, I turned south on Ivy Street and then the Canby- Marquam Highway, gazing at orchards full of neatly lined-up fruit and nut trees, large naked roadside tree branches stretching their grey and brown limbs up into the sky above, flags flying beside little country cottages, and horses and livestock grazing in their fields.

Passing through Silverton, I headed north to the Gallon House covered bridge, traversing its weather-beaten wooden slats across Albiqua Creek before stopping to take in the sight of the historic structure. Constructed in 1916, this wooden artifact is Oregon’s oldest operational covered bridge in service, receiving its name from locals because gallon jars of prohibition era liquor were sold nearby.  

From the bridge I headed north towards Newburg, enjoying sights of rolling green hills, winding country roads, and fields and farmlands beneath the now bright blue skies dotted with puffs of white clouds. Taking the way back on Borland Road, I almost made it home before the rain hit again. Another great day on the bike!