Many of Washington’s most famous bridges, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Deception Pass Bridge, are fully functional, offering iconic views as they keep us connected. And then there are spots like the Vance Creek Bridge, which is hidden in the middle of nowhere… and also goes nowhere.
This historic arch bridge sits at the end of a very short hike. And while visitors are expressly prohibited from accessing it, it’s still interesting to see, especially when you know its history.
The Vance Creek Bridge is located in Mason County, near the town of Shelton.
Kinsey Madelyn / alltrails.com The bridge is surrounded by lush green forest, making it look like a well-hidden gem.
The bridge was built for a logging railroad owned by the Simpson Logging Company in 1929.
Lindsey Curneen / alltrails.com It was decommissioned in the 1970s, when logging on the Olympic Peninsula saw a sharp decline.
This bridge was never open to the public. In fact, it’s still on private property, and hikers are not permitted to walk to it.
Jonathan Miguel / alltrails.com This bridge is extremely dangerous and it is not recommended that people visit or hike across it.
In 2014, the the property owner Green Diamond Resource Company added barriers and surveillance to prevent further trespassing, graffiti, and damage.
Kyler Borden / alltrails.com There are numerous signs advising people to stay off the bridge, and for good reason.
If you’d like to see this place for yourself, simply find the 1.4-mile Vance Creek Bridge trail.
Jessica Price / alltrails.com Although it is marked as private property, there will be signs explaining that visitors are allowed to walk to the bridge.
While this bridge no longer serves a purpose, it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Kinsey Madelyn / alltrails.com The Green Diamond Resource Company has stated they are not interested in demolishing the bridge as doing so would damage the sensitive riparian environment it’s built over. It would also be extremely expensive.
Coming across something like this deep in the woods might be a little eerie.
Jason Hatter / alltrails.com The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and to the Mason County Historic Preservation Register in 2008.
Have you ever seen Washington’s bridge to nowhere?
Kinsey Madelyn / alltrails.com
The bridge is surrounded by lush green forest, making it look like a well-hidden gem.
Lindsey Curneen / alltrails.com
It was decommissioned in the 1970s, when logging on the Olympic Peninsula saw a sharp decline.
Jonathan Miguel / alltrails.com
This bridge is extremely dangerous and it is not recommended that people visit or hike across it.
Kyler Borden / alltrails.com
There are numerous signs advising people to stay off the bridge, and for good reason.
Jessica Price / alltrails.com
Although it is marked as private property, there will be signs explaining that visitors are allowed to walk to the bridge.
The Green Diamond Resource Company has stated they are not interested in demolishing the bridge as doing so would damage the sensitive riparian environment it’s built over. It would also be extremely expensive.
Jason Hatter / alltrails.com
The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and to the Mason County Historic Preservation Register in 2008.
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Address: Vance Creek Bridge, Vance Creek Viaduct Trail, Shelton, WA 98584, USA
