For the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton’s silent‑film masterpiece The General, we invite Lane County residents to rediscover the Row River Trail – a beloved local resource that blends Oregon’s pioneering history with today’s family‑friendly recreation.
From Steam Locomotives to Asphalt Paths
In 1902 the citizens of Cottage Grove raised funds to build a railroad that would carry ore, logs, and passengers from the town upriver toward the Bohemia gold‑mining district. The line, originally called the Oregon & Southeastern (later Oregon Pacific & Eastern), earned the nickname “Old Slow & Easy.” By the 1970s a steam excursion called “The Goose” still shared the tracks with lumber‑company cars.
When the Culp Creek sawmill burned in 1991 the line fell into disuse. The federal government acquired the corridor, the Bureau of Land Management turned it into a gravel trail in 1994, and by 1997 the path was fully paved. Today the 13‑mile Row River Trail serves hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, offering a safe, family‑oriented alternative to busy highways.
Hollywood History Along the River
The trail’s most famous claim to fame is its role as a backdrop for Keaton’s daring stunt in which a real steam locomotive crashes through a burning trestle into the Row River. The same tracks later appeared in the 1986 coming‑of‑age film Stand By Me and in the 1973 movie Emperor of the North, starring Lee Marvin.
Visitors can watch The General for free online before setting out, then imagine the same dramatic moments while crossing the historic steel bridge that spans the river at the 1½‑mile mark – the very spot where the 1909 uncovered bridge collapsed.
Scenic Covered Bridges and Trail Highlights
Driving to the trailhead offers a preview of Lane County’s covered‑bridge heritage. The Row River (or Currin) Bridge, a 105‑foot structure built in 1925, replaces an 1883 covered bridge. A short distance later lies the Mosby Creek Bridge, a 90‑foot Howe‑truss bridge dating to 1920 – the oldest of the county’s 18 remaining covered highway bridges.
From the Mosby Creek bridge, the paved path follows an 8‑foot‑wide asphalt lane with a 2‑foot gravel shoulder for horses. Along the way hikers will see towering cottonwoods, moss‑laden oaks, wild blackberries, and occasional cows grazing in nearby fields. The trail’s gentle grade makes it ideal for families, seniors, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
From Interstate 5, take exit 174 for Cottage Grove and follow Dorena Lake signs east on Row River Road for 3.2 miles. After passing the Currin Bridge, turn right onto Layng Road, cross the Mosby Creek Bridge, and park in the well‑marked gravel lot.
From the trailhead the route crosses a steel railroad bridge over the Row River, then climbs through Douglas‑fir forest to Dorena Dam and the reservoir’s shoreline. A convenient turnaround point is Harms Park, where Lane County provides a gravel boat ramp. Cyclists can continue an additional three miles past the park before the trail ends near the community of Culp Creek.
Why the Trail Matters to Our Community
The Row River Trail exemplifies how preserving historic infrastructure can serve modern families. By converting an old rail line into a safe, accessible corridor, Lane County honors its pioneer past while promoting healthy, outdoor recreation – a value‑rich alternative to screen‑time and a testament to the enduring spirit of our region.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, taking a leisurely bike ride, or simply walking with your children, the Row River Trail offers a beautiful, family‑friendly setting that reflects the heritage and natural beauty of Cottage Grove and the greater Lane County area.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
