bridge of the gods

When you drive across it you get an Awesome view of the Columbia River. You see what God did when he created this area.

I/we have driven across the Golden Gate, the Bay and the Richmond Bridges as well as Pacific NW bridges multiple times. When in the US Army serving in Germany, I experienced some very interesting specimens. The Bridge of the Gods is located strategically joining Washington and Oregon state near the Bonneville Damn. We lived in Tacoma and have run over the Tacoma Narrow's #2, a replacement for "Galloping Gerty" and yet this bridge constructed differently in this specific area is an experience and a memory that is as solid as the Golden Gate. It is also referred to in the book "Wild" which is also a recent box office hit starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern. If close...make time to see. You won't be sorry.

I love the views and history of this bridge, and really the entire drive from Skamania Lodge and Stevenson into Hood River. So much history....

and is called the Steel Bridge of the Gods by the Native Americans and those who have studied the area. It was replaced by engineers after the last Ice Ages. You can find good pictures in the Charburger gift shop that replicate this.

Looks just like the last scene of the movie Wild. It costs one dollar each way to drive over. I'm not sure if I'd want to walk over it though.

After a very scenic 40-mile drive on winding route 14 on the south border of Washington east from Portland, we finally saw the sign we were looking for - Bridge of the Gods. Our Best Western motel for the night was at the end of a short winding road at the opposite end and we were tired and anxious to get settled. But when we made that right turn onto the bridge approach and started obeying the 15 mph speed limit, we perked up a bit - our speed was slow enough that we could both look up and down the river and enjoy the great view.

We stopped on a day trip from Portland. The bridge can be walked or driven and has fantastic art work at its base. This is hallowed ground for the Native American People of the Gorge. Legend says there was a natural stone Bridge of the Gods at this point. A fight among tribal brothers caused the bridge to collapse and formed the rapids that now impede navigation at this point. Lewis and Clarke had to portage around this point. The canal and locks were completed in the 1890's so the river could be used for shipping and travel. The original modern bridge was built in the 1920's and revised in 1938. The bridge serves as the link connecting Oregon and Washington along the tri-state Pacific Crest Trail.(An interesting thing--this is the bridge that is the final destination in the Reece Witherspoon movie, "Wild." )There is a restaurant here as well.The Native Americans still hold rights to these waters and only tribesmen are allowed to catch salmon along the river banks.Native Americans set up stalls by the bridge. We bought salmon from Yakima tribesmen here. They filleted it as we watched. It was the very best salmon we have ever eaten!

People at times have expressed surprise to me that someone would take the time review a bridge on Tripadvisor. While a bridge review may not be for all, for those who when traveling look out for certain archtectual and infastructure related highlights of an area (think bridges, stations, airports, etc) then I imagine a bridge review might count for something. In any case, the name for Bridge of the Gods is the name local Native Americans had for natural dam created by a landslide in the Columbia River Gorge. The name certainly evokes a magnificant structure worthy of the Gorge it sits upon and river it spans. Ultimately, though, this steel truss cantilever bridge is not that unique for the area and outside of the fact that it is one of the few bridges that cross the Columbia in the gorge, it doesn't have a whole lot going for it. One other note, the Pacafic Crest Trail crosses the Columbia via this bridge.

It costs a buck each way across the bridge. It was built in 1951 so you would think it was paid for?? It is very pretty to look at but it should be free by now?

Ok first off I am scared to death of bridges, but you have to get from point A to point B. Being on a motorcycle you can look down and see the water below....Even with my tear stained face I have to admit the view is amazing. My husband has been riding a motorcycle for 36 years so he mentioned heed the speed limit, its there for a reason. When we got off the bridge this local guy was selling honey out of the back of his car. The stuff was amazing. Dont miss the Columbia River Gorge area. It is full of history and a great place to visit whether it be on a motorcycle or car.

its worth the price to cross, the steel bridge is super cool. when crossing you can see the water under your car. the bridge also allows walkers since the Pacific trail runs thru town. This bridge also gives you access to Washington state. great photo ops on and around the bridge.

This toll bridge ($1 cars) is awesome. Skinney private span over the Columbia River. 2-lane steel grid, wind whipping, high, 15 mph passage over the Columbia. Must be hell for motorcycles. Decorated for the Christmas holidays at the toll booth and approach on/off. Awesome!

Views of Columbia River from bridge and proximity to old route 30 for the waterfalls. Nice to travel along one side of gorge and then cross over.

Worth the Small Fare to Cross it!! Go down to the wharf and get panoramic pictures of this strange and unique bridge.

A cut over to Washington state, great view , just a buck to cross. You can also walk across to get great pictures