Just 30 minutes north of Shelton in the Olympic National Forest, one of the tallest railway arch bridges in the United States towers over the Skokomish River.
Originally a logging railroad bridge built in 1929, the High Steel Bridge looms about 375 feet above the South Fork of the Skokomish River, attracting visitors year round.
When driving or walking across the bridge, sounds of the rushing river and scenic views of mountains make for an easy excursion worth the drive.
Directions to the bridge can be found by typing in “High Steel Bridge” into Google or Apple Maps.
After turning left off of U.S. Highway 101 onto West Skokomish Valley Road, the roads are paved until about 2 miles from the bridge. Vehicles should wait to drive across the bridge if another vehicle is driving on the bridge.
Visitors who choose to walk across the bridge can look over the bridge’s railing into the deep canyon. A trail descending into the canyon is closed due to dangerous conditions, but nearby trails are an option for a hike after your visit.
Vance Creek Bridge is a mile and a half out-and-back trail, only a 10-minute drive from High Steel Bridge.
Read more about the history and maintenance of the High Steel Bridge from the U.S. Forest Service online at https://tinyurl.com/yrdz7nam.
