Curtin: Bike Trails, Bridges and Local History

In Curtin and the surrounding area, outdoor activities and traces of history offer different reasons to visit. The nearby Row River Trail is a paved, multi-use trail; historic bridges and mining remnants offer a different perspective on the region’s past. At the same time, the former Pass Creek County Park & Campground is permanently closed, an important distinction for planning your trip.

A former park with a clear closure date

Pass Creek County Park & Campground was located at 201 Curtin Park Road in Curtin and was a day-use park and campground on Pass Creek. It permanently closed on September 30, 2024.

Before it closed, the park included a reservable pavilion, a playground, a restroom and a pond. At the time, the campground had 30 full-hookup sites, showers and restrooms. These former amenities show that the site was used for both day visits and camping.

Two bike routes, different highlights

Near Curtin, the 14-mile Row River Trail runs along the Row River and Dorena Reservoir. It is paved and open to multiple uses. Parking areas and restrooms are located along the trail at intervals of two to three miles. The trail’s length and facilities provide concrete reference points for planning an active day.

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway runs near Cottage Grove and is 37.8 miles long, making it considerably longer than the Row River Trail. It is mostly flat, family-friendly and has light traffic. Road conditions can change, so check them before your ride.

Choosing between the two routes is therefore about more than just distance: the Row River Trail stands out for its paved surface, multi-use access, and regularly spaced parking areas and restrooms. The Scenic Bikeway is distinguished by its mostly flat profile and light traffic.

Bridges and mining as traces of history

Nearby Mosby Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1920 and extensively restored in 1990. Nearby Chambers Bridge dates to 1925; local residents saved it in 2011. It is considered likely to be the last covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi. The stories behind the two structures have different highlights: restoration is central to Mosby Creek, while Chambers was saved by local residents.

The nearby historic Bohemia Mining Area contains remnants of gold mines from the late 19th century. Old mine tunnels are dangerous and are on private property.

Curtin’s local history and choosing the focus of your trip

Curtin was named after Daniel Curtin, who operated a sawmill here in the early 1890s. Curtin Store is also part of the town’s history: Chuck and Dorothy Booher ran it for decades. The origin of the town’s name and the story of a long-running business complement each other.

When looking for a vacation rental, consider which local connection you want: Curtin is close to the Row River Trail and has its own local history; the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway runs near Cottage Grove. You can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on Curtin’s trail and local history or the cycling route near Cottage Grove.

Discover more destinations: Myrtle Creek, Tenmile, Winston, Sutherlin, Canyonville, Roseburg, Reedsport, Umpqua

For the broader travel overview: Douglas.