Peaceful and beautiful. Lovely hikes, kind people on the trail.Such a wonderful place to swim and jump off of big rocks, or swimthrough natural holes in the old stone's.
If you are visiting the area this is a beautiful place to go. Its a bit of a drive, but the old curvey road has a lot to see. Lots of photo opportunities. The bridge itself is awesome. Be sure to ask someone to snap a photo of you either looking out one of the windows or at the enterance. Be sure to stop in the ranger station thing it has small gifts and the back ground of the bridge.
We live in Pennsylvania where we have seen many covered bridges , but this particular covered bridge is REALLY long - looks to be twice the length of the ones we are used to seeing in Bedford County. We are visiting our son in California and we spent some time in the foothills of The Sierra Nevada Mountains , and we happened upon this bridge , which is supposedly the longest covered bridge in the United States. Unfortunately it was closed down to travel , either by foot or car ( I suppose for repairs ? ). Needles to say , it is a very impressive structure located amongst some gorgeous scenery !
The road from 20 is long and winding and fun. The bridge was closed for repairs. There is a historic barn and gas station next to the bridge. A stream flowed under the bridge. It was a pretty site for a walk or picnic.
Good for what it is, and what it is not very common these days....parking in the area is regulated, but that does not seem to get in the way of small groups that like to wander the trails up and down stream from the bridge. Used to go there fairly often during the off season so our pup could range free and play in the river, but that has become more difficult over time.
Across the street from the covered bridge there is a wonderful trail above the river. Buttermilk Bend Trail is lovely any time of year but is spectacular in the Springtime! Depending on the amount of rainfall we've had, we can see poppies as early as February or March. Numerous other wildflowers show up in succession over Spring and early Summer. great walk with dogs, but keep them leashed, and watch for poison oak! This is a state park that was slated for closure a few years back. The parking lot was expanded, and there is now a fee to help keep it open.
A great spot for hiking and a picnic, but wait until the restoration work is done and the wire fencing is removed that is blocking access to the bridge. Next summer you can combine your picnic with a dip in the crystal clear Yuba River.Try to visit mid-week, the weekends are busy.
For those who enjoy history and are in the Penn Valley area, take time to visit the Bridgeport Covered Bridge. It is a great example of craftsmanship with its large beams and wooden treads for old wagons to cross on. The view of the Yuba River is stunning, and if you find yourself here in the summer, come prepared for a dip in the big swimming hole just below the bridge. Also take time to walk around the grounds to visit the old barn and homestead. There are picnic tables for those who bring their lunch. Enjoy!
The Bridgeport bridge is one of a kind and in a lovely location. Easy to reach off the hwy 20 (under ten miles of easy driving) great parking for our area...not steep if you have an RV, flat almost. and it is over the river! it is a great place to stop for a picnic and cool your feet in summer or enjoy a hike in the Fall or spring!
Below the bridge is a wheel chair path that leads to a disabled friendly picnic table with full view of the river. A little farther down that path is a lovely, white sandy beach - safe for little ones and not so little ones. Want deeper pools? Diving rocks? Take the trail up stream (left side is best) to find dozens of swimming holes. Are the first ones too crowded? Keep walking. There's a hole to fit everyone's taste and desire for privacy. Come in the Spring time. The flowers are amazing, and many of the plants are actually labeled by the park's docents. Do parks get better? They'd have to work pretty hard!