Hike the Vance Creek Viaduct Trail

The second highest railway arch bridge ever built in the United States, the Vance Creek arch bridge soars 347 feet (106 mtrs) above a thick forest valley in Washington State’s Olympic peninsula. Originally constructed in 1929 by the Simpson Logging Company, the bridge was eventually abandoned and has neither tracks nor a roadway on top of it. Located several miles north on the same rail line and still in use as a road bridge since 1950 is the High Steel bridge over the South Fork of the Skokomish river and the highest arch bridge ever built for a U.S. rail line at 365 feet (111 mtrs). Both bridges were built by the American Bridge Company.

This hike is great for beginners and experts a like. This bridge has become famous through social media so do not expect to be along on this trail unless you arrive early in the day. Parking can be found right off Forest road 23 (47.336970, -123.307317) look for the big mound of dirt, the trail starts on the other side of that mound.

Safety is paramount on this hike, never do anything you are not comfortable with. This is an open bridge 347ft up in the air, cross at your own risk.