Bridges
Foresthill Bridge: California’s Tallest Bridge Over the American River
Few landmarks in the foothills make you feel the scale of the American River canyon like Foresthill Bridge. One moment you are driving out of Auburn on Foresthill Road, and the next you are hundreds of feet above the North Fork American River, looking across one of the most dramatic bridge crossings in California. Also …...
No Hands Bridge in Auburn: Visiting the Historic Mountain Quarries Bridge
No Hands Bridge is one of Auburn State Recreation Area’s most recognizable landmarks, a historic concrete railroad bridge turned scenic trail crossing in the American River canyon. Its official name is Mountain Quarries Bridge, and it was completed in 1912, for the Mountain Quarries Railroad, which hauled quarry material out of the...
Iowa Hill Bridge: The Old and New Bridges Near Colfax, California
Iowa Hill Bridge is one of those Placer County points of interest where a simple river crossing turns into a wonderful piece of Gold Country history. Placed along Iowa Hill Road between Colfax and the ghost town of Iowa Hill, this crossing over the North Fork American River gives visitors a rare side-by-side look at …...
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the surrounding canyon into an important...
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge: a National Landmark spanning the South Yuba River
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge has become a cherished landmark within Nevada County, California. It’s also recognized as a National Historic Landmark due to its remarkable condition, rare type of bridge, age and usefulness during California’s Gold Rush days. Founding of Bridgeport The location of Bridgeport was first established as a...
Donner Summit Bridge: California’s historical Rainbow Bridge
The Donner Summit Bridge is a concrete arch style bridge originally designed to provide a safe passage through the Donner Pass area along Old Highway 40. Prior to this bridge, residents and visitors took the train or had to travel along the old Lincoln Highway which was a much more difficult route due to its …...