Visiting the Century-old Winchester Bridge and Dam on Highway 99

On Highway 99 just north of Roseburg, a stretch of road that was once known as the Pacific Highway, there are a couple of historic landmarks. One that was built at the same time as the highway and one that predates it by over 30 years. The Winchester Dam and the Booth Bridge.
The Winchester Dam was built in 1890, making it one of the oldest dams in Oregon. In 1923 a fish ladder was added to the dam to make it easier for fish to swim upstream. The dam isn't without controversy though, in 1928 a saboteur tried to blow the fish ladder up and more recently conservationists have sued to have it removed.
Next to the dam is the Booth Bridge. Built in 1923 as part of the Pacific Highway, it has carried traffic over the North Umpqua River for a century.
In this video we tour the bridge and fish ladder, talk about their history, and the controversies surrounding the dam.
Live stream from the Winchester Dam Fish Ladder: • Umpqua Live Fish Cam
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[@johnlord8337]

Alcoves - like in underground rail tunnels - were meant as a byproduct on bridges for people in the 1930s. They could watch the traffic and walk between alcoves, getting from one end of the bridge to the other end, as cars/trucks whizzed by. This would stop any pedestrian accidents as that sidewalk is barely a 1-legged sidewalk vs a 2-legged sidewalk to walk on - let alone walk a bicycle then. Highways in those days were for cars/trucks (still are), and any walkers or bikers had no priorities (like today) ... so alcoves were pedestrian safety spots.

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

I always wondered about that. I used to ride that very bridge in my teens. The main trucks on it back then was the log trucks and they rarely slow down for anything smaller than them..

[@deanfirnatine7814]

I liked those alcoves as a kid crossing that bridge with my fishing pole

[@elizabethbogle3533]

Ò

[@boomtownrat5106]

Thank you for drawing attention to these historic highways. I have a son who lives in the Portland, Oregon area, and I regularly drive up there. How many times I’ve been on interstate 5 through Roseburg and never noticed historic Highway 99. I did some research to find out who was Robert A Booth. His father was a known Methodist circuit rider in the Oregon Territory. Mr. Booth, was founder of a lumber company and also a state senator. In reference to the plaque you saw on the bridge, he was a leader in the formulation of the Oregon highway system and served as chairman of the highway commission.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I had to look him up when I got back to my hotel. Wish there would have been some sort of sign there, but I figured at the time they put the plaques up everyone probably knew who he was.

[@TheStuport]

I absolutely LOVED you sharing your memories of visiting your Grandparents on your Mom's side Steve! ❤ I bet you can still remember how sweet the air was back in your youth and how excited you would be in traveling to get there! Such an honor to have you think of your Fan Base this much to include us! Those Bridges are marvels to me in that they were built over a hundred years ago and Still Standing Tall! Was great when that one fish @ 11:30 that "Smiled For The Camera" when you were saying how many times you were bummed as a kid when no fish were seen by you! As always Steve, Thank you for bringing us Fans along! Fun, entertaining and learned some cool stuff! Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋🙏

[@speedsteel5784]

Steve's channel is very relaxing. I was going to add my own comment, but figured I would reply to the comment of a fellow Buckeye.

[@TheStuport]

@@speedsteel5784 I'd love to read your feelings and thoughts on this video Steel! Love Steve's Field trips and I also enjoy reading the comments from The Fans who ride along in The Sidetrack Adventures Posse! Cheers and O-H

[@speedsteel5784]

@@TheStuport Steve provides a lot of detail about the places he does videos on and this area touches his life. I remember many things I did with my grandparents and those are memories I will cherish for the rest of my days. While they are different memories, they are once Steve and I will always remember. I pray you had a great day. I-O.

[@afletchermansson4418]

Great report, Steve! Thank you for sharing your connection to Oregon. If you drive the 101 in Oregon, chances are good you'll cross a Conde McCullough designed bridge. They are as beautiful by design as they are engineered to last. Looking forward to more reports from the Pacific Northwest!

[@siegfriedschudel7024]

Hohoho Steve, I like them all. You present so charming and interesting. But this time? Three ugly bridges and a 5m dam 🧑‍🎄 Even this you could make awsom. Finally the charmless concret fish ladder in fact you turned it into a super famous historical highlight 😅 Well done 👍 Hope next time we get some beautiful things to see? Thank you

[@winegeek2949]

i bet those alcoves on the bridge are observation decks, back when we had time to stop & enjoy a view, because they knew one day in the future it would be very important for Instagram 😊

[@CactusAtlas]

Fascinating! The old bridge reminds me a touch of the Lamar Bridge in Austin, TX in that originally you would cross the river there and the pedestrian walkway was incredibly narrow. Lots of accidents occurred so I could appreciate an alcove to duck into after walking so close to the oncoming traffic. 😅 Loved hearing about the personal history you have there and awesome to see fish in that ladder!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've seen so many old bridges up here the last few days. It seems like they keep their bridges in service in the PNW as long as they can!

[@TeddsPicks]

Amazing Steve! Thank you so much for sharing some of your personal adventures ... As soon as you said well, I've been disappointed here before, usually that's preparing us for additional disappointment ... I am super happy that we did see fish in the fish ladder ...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I was thinking we might have another bison situation. Luckily there were quite a few fish swimming by.

[@foesfly3047]

What a beautiful and charming location. Looked like wonderfully comfortable weather on the day of ‘filming’.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It was switching between sun and rain but luckily the major rain didn't come till later.

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

@@SidetrackAdventures Normal weather then for Roseburg. wait a few minutes, it will change again.

[@larrypaul8688]

Trout Fishing in America's "Old Things" captures this the feel of this video perfectly.

[@donnasmith2720]

You know what is so very cool about this? I grew up in Lakeside, Santee, El Cajon and Spring Valley and moved way back in '96 to guess where? Yep! Right here in Oregon. I moved to Douglas County and lived in Tenmile and Winston and we loved going to the fish ladder. It's so very cool. Thanks for traveling like you do. I live in Ga now so I doubt you'll ever get this far. 😂 😂 😂

[@reddfoxx897]

I remember checking out the fish area there and seimming in the tiver there under the bridge and looking for aggots. Absolutely love that area.

[@empressvogt]

Thanks for adding the link to the live cam! I have something to watch now when I'm bored!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

No problem. I haven't seen any fish on it when I've checked it out.

[@thefred8481]

You should be Professor Steve…thanks for the learning adventures!!!

[@rtrooperw8115]

You should consider some videos in the Sacramento region. So many points of interest and history in the entire region. Sutter’s Fort, Old Sacramento, Marshall Gold Discovery, Ranch Seco park, Folsom Lake, Delta King, State Capitol, Various Pony Express points, and many, many more points of interest in the region.

[@R32R38]

When the Port of New York Authority built a bridge between Staten Island and New Jersey in the 1920's they wanted to honor the former chairman Eugenius Outerbridge. Because the Outerbridge Bridge would sound absurd, it became the Outerbridge Crossing.

[@henrivanbemmel]

Thank you for your video. I can't see how such a small dam warrants being a historic place. My family farm was 140 years old when they paved it for new warehouses. I get that this was a place you remember your grandparents, but that was yesterday. Streams transport silt, nutrients and such like along the entire river course ... every day. The fish ladder is a small concession. The dam is foreign and unnecessary and should be removed at once by the owners due to the damage it is causing. They would not be allowed to build a pointless dam here now, so why allow this to remain?

[@boossersgarage3239]

it's a crappy old dam. tear it down. low head dams are dangerous.

[@russelldrey8678]

I built the Fred Myers’s in Roseburg back in the 80’s and various projects at Mercy Hospital throughout the years. I Never new the fish ladder existed. Roseburg has been growing continuously over the years. And the dam is still a point of contention for many residents.

[@Randsel]

Really enjoy your playlists separated out by State. I sometimes put an entire state playlist on loop for background adventures while working :)

[@gph2193]

The fish ladder is tricky. The problem is the smallmouth bass that dominate the main and S. Umpqua. So far they have not taken over the stretch of the N. Umpqua above Winchester dam. The smallmouth devour a huge percentage of salmon and steehead smolts. Improving the fish ladder may help the smallmouth, removing the dam definitely would.

[@williamwinsor7376]

In the Coquille they have destroyed the run but maybe the colder faster running water in the north might help.

[@gregridge9273]

Where do you get those fantastic old maps? I would love to be able to study similar maps.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Most of the time from the David Ramsey site. Be prepared to spend hours on it though!

[@RWX348]

Another learning adventure for me. Thanks Steve! Documenting historic places like this and sharing for others to see is so important. I'm sure this one was an especially sentimental for you.😀

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bruceyoung1343]

I’m surprised they allow pedestrians to walk across with such narrow walkway. Thank You. Very interesting

[@jeffmyers7062]

Oh hey your in my neck of the woods...if you start doing more Oregon stuff maybe I'll see you. Thanks for the great channel Steve.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Reviewing the Oregon Highways Seismic Plus Report dated October 2014, both highway bridges are in scope for replacement. Bridge replacement would decrease the risk of this critical lifeline not being available after a large regional earthquake. PS - Assume the railroad bridge is listed on a separate seismic risk report. PS2 - Dam is listed as a high hazard dam. Trial was scheduled in May 2023 to resolve lawsuit on water quality and environmental damage.

[@carolwright7503]

We must have always visited the fish ladder and saw many fish ! We were lucky each time

[@chuckhaggard1584]

Too bad they haven’t updated the turbine. They could be getting free electricity out of the dam. It’s a similar story in several other places, such as Mammoth Springs Arkansas. The fish ladder wouldn’t be a tough update.

[@roncross1945]

I thought you were just a SoCal guy. My granddaughter and her family live in Sutherlin, Oregon just up the road from the dam and bridges in your video. Welcome home to Oregon. 😎

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Born and raised in SoCal, but my family on my mom's side is from Oregon. Passed through Sutherlin the other day!

[@ourv9603]

In May we took the motorhome on a trip to Idaho. On the way back to our home in the California Redwoods we drove Old 99W out of Portland on our way to US101 along the coast. Every single bridge on US101 in Oregon has a beautiful bridge which is a work of art. !

[@chadalcock7275]

Damn, right here where i live.

[@Posttraumaticgrowth]

Since I subscribed I view all your new and videos whenever uou upload them. Thank you for your knowledge and insights🤙

[@SOLOIIguru]

Thanks for the wonderful memories and history, as always, Steve! You're a gem of a person and I appreciate your insights and experiences. Cheers!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks again!

[@FatManWalking18]

funny thing, I was just there last week. dumb question: US-99 was decommissioned when I-5 was complete- fine, it happens. but why did all the spur routes keep their "US" federal designation? that's just weird.

[@MichaelTitera]

Another great and informative video, San Diego Steve. It's a bummer the dam is no longer used to generate electricity. I am sure the upkeep was too expensive, but it does seem to be a waste to have a dam without the benefit of producing electricity. I am really happy the fish ladder was built and is still operational. Thanks for sharing your connection!

[@Hillbilly973]

What a fantastic, interesting episode and so well presented. I really like your channel and your personality. Greetings from the land of the kangaroo.

[@PriaMapan2024]

helping fish to breed by making them a fish ladder, wow that's awesome and thoughtful, in my country we just make everything extinct

[@2-old-Forthischet]

There's a "fish ladder" at the Bonneville dam with windows. It's very interesting. Apparently the owners of this dam don't know the right people. Some people got a grant to study why lizards have bowed legs while running on a treadmill. Just saying.

[@theMick52]

Google: Robert Booth was the first Methodist Circuit Rider in the Oregon Territory, sometime in the 1840s. He stands there, east of the capitol, on horseback, an open Bible in one hand, reins in the other.

[@idontknow2293]

I grew up in Southern New Mexico. Specifically the Mesilla Valley. Pretty much the only thing of interest was the Mesilla dam and the pecan farm where they sold pecans to the public, so my parents would take any visitors to see those places.

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

I love your videos, and I hope you and your family have fun travelling to all these fascinating places and making them. I don't know if you take requests, nor if this location is in your milieu, but is there a chance of you doing a video on Wall Drug in South Dakota?

[@jeffpalmer5502]

Well the damn It’s not that high end exists. as far as the PowerPlant how about we start making Power again . and rebuild the fish ladders . as far as the spandex wearing environmentalist go if they want to save Fish , start by taking those nets away from Indians. Overfishing the return salmon at the mouth does not help the spawning population. Then there’s Fukushima and the Russians over fishing the pacific dams are the least of our problems.

[@ihatedietcola7920]

Great video!!! Have you ever been to Lime Kiln trail outside of Granite Falls Washington?

[@deborahlivingston720]

I think there is an old "what's my line ?" Show where a lady's line was a fish counter Oregan. The show was a game show in the 1950's -1960's

[@stardog62]

I grew up in Douglas County Oregon and have literally passed by or over this bridge thousands of times and never knew it was called the Booth Bridge.

[@sidclark1953]

The national register of historic places is rubbish, just a monument to mankind's arrogance.

[@garthbutton699]

Thanks for taking the drive to take us on another wonderful adventure🤗😎🤗😎

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dalejensen5828]

I bet the mundane ugly I-5 bridge when built was controversial.

[@jeffpalmer5502]

Those alcoves likely were also a place for people with horses to get out of the way there was likely still a lot of people riding horses across that bridge back then. I still ride them across my bridge now. I’ve been on that bridge. Good video.

[@james_the_darklord]

If something doesn't have any purpose or use then it should be torn down. Fish ladders were never effective to begin with that's why the Salmon went almost extinct in the Pacific Northwest. Tear down the dam and free the river and leave it alone. More fish will thrive due to the easier access upstream. See you don't see lots of fish using the ladder

[@ConnieWojahn]

Nice fish tale, interesting bridges, good job, thank you.

[@barbaramai7610]

Very interesting video! I love old bridges and learned something new about the fish ladder, have never heard of such a thing. Thanks for sharing!

[@donphillips5957]

Interesting that 100 years ago people were already concerned enough about the environmental impact of the dam that they would go to that expense to build the fish ladder, a technology that is still used today, in other places as well. Beyond that, as far as electrical generation goes, it's a lot easier to install a modern generation facility where one exists than start from zero. In an age where we are looking for ways to eliminate fossil fuels, that should count for something.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Tons of stuff to do in a small town like Roseburg, fish hunt, shoot, hike, camp etc. Cities have nothing fun to do.

[@johnhallford239]

What a cool place and what great memories for one to have from childhood. That was awesome. Thank ya' sir for taking us back in time and sharing. Safe/fun travels

[@heyoldman2003]

very cool again . have you ever seen that place in northern Nevada, i can’t think of the name 🤔 something mountain?? a guy went kinda crazy with cement and found stuff . very cool . it’s right off a main hiway..my son and i found it 20? years ago when it was just abandoned. we got in and took pictures 😊. now it fenced off but still a cool place to snoop around. love your shows, thank you for taking us along 😎

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I haven't seen it but I'll look into it. I want to get back out to that area.

[@heyoldman2003]

@@SidetrackAdventures i’ll try to get more info. very interesting place indeed . i have been told they call it Concrete dementia. Yes concrete and junk he found …very interesting

[@sethw1nter]

@@heyoldman2003 I believe you're talking about the Thunder Mountain Monument in Imlay, NV off of Interstate 80? The art style is commonly called Dementia Concretia

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

The river and area look beautiful 😊

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Steve, I enjoy when you do pieces on olde infrastructure. 😎👍🏻

[@robbmanchester5747]

Interesting Steve … didn’t know hiway 99 had that history … also cool to hear about your roots

[@koningbolo4700]

12:09 47 seconds huh ? Must have been a Gene Roddenberry Salmon then...

[@nannerz1994]

Are you a truck driver or something? You do a phenomenal amount of traveling around the west!

[@kevinslater4126]

You understand of course that in 1000 years archeologists will use this channel for historical research. Yeah?

[@janeblack3078]

Bridge was widened original the alcove were for pedestrian because there was no sidewalk

[@dansimpson6844]

I-5 Bridge looks to be in worse condition than the 1920's bridge.

[@acornsucks2111]

Wonder if Robert's Booth's descendants know any of this.

[@praiserdusty]

Seriously amazing photo of the bridge. This video makes me want to visit or at least drive through and stop if even on the west coast

[@kentondickerson]

Robert A Booth was Chairman of the State Highway Comission.

[@arlenbell4376]

That bridge is in good shape because unlike in the northeast they haven’t dumped tons of salt on it over the years.

[@T-Babbbldot]

A Nonprofit Organization that I am a member of is based in Umpqua, OR. Since 1989, have visited many times. 300 Acres. Since trails have been these alcoves became towns, Pony Express, RR stops,etc. Hiking Trails through parks. Ski Resorts!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its a beautiful area. I was just there again a few weeks ago.

[@conniewojahn6445]

A little out of your usual area? The "rest" alcoves on the 99 bridge are for pedestrians and bicyclists to get out of traffic to avoid heavy, wide trucks which could knock them down on the narrow walkway, and also serve as places for dedication plaques to be safely viewed. Property owners around the lake want the lake as their playground, that's why the dam is still there. Whether or not the lawsuit results in the dam demolition, I'm rooting for the fish. Go Fish Go! Swim swim swim! I remember hwy 99 before interstate 5 when I was a kid. There was 99 East and 99 West depending on the side of the Willamette River. Portions of 99 hwy still exist, mostly as some other names. Thanks for the video, this is been really great. Stay safe on your way home.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. We've been on 99 a lot the last few days and went north on the 99 East today actually. Had to laugh.

[@iracema6210]

The State Oregon it's beautiful pine trees mountains rivers

[@pgk60]

It looks like there is a designed tile or the like every few feet or so on the bridge’s walkway. It would have been nice to see what those were all about.

[@shibalover54]

I think the alcoves aren't to rest, but to stop and just enjoy the river.😊

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

Except neither side is actually over the river....... and none are in the middle of the bridge. I always laughed about that when I was riding across the bridge

[@garyschlagel995]

THANKS, FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO!, A GREAT VIDEO, THANKS STEVE!

[@jayster.k.wiseguy]

very touching story. Steve, my heart came alive~

[@darrenstanleysmith5207]

So cool they built that human aquarium so fish can look at the people

[@giordanobruno1333]

“Modern bridge” built in 1955

[@boboneill4828]

That looks so cool up there! What is the link to watch the fish cam??

[@zcam1969]

that 100 year old is in good shape . it would not last that long on the east coast .

[@eileensimpson3725]

Oh my gosh that is so interesting thank you very much.

[@tom23rd]

Could those alcoves actually be.. booths? 😅

[@tristanflores1069]

Found the fish ladder very interesting

[@donalddodson7365]

Thanks, Steve. Here's 5 gallons of Kawkifornia fuel tax! 🤬

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I definitely appreciate it!

[@roncarguy72]

Livestream... that's funny.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

There not alcoves, they're booths.

[@casienwhey]

You can choose salmon or dams, but not both.

[@mongrelhalfbreedobern]

Art and Fake are confusing Artists

[@PennyHays44]

We have lots of family in Oregon, and Roseburg too. Always loved visiting. I remember the Umqua River, but we didn' t visit the damn. Now I live in Washington, very close to Highway 99. Thanks for filming in the PNW.

[@joetorrey6922]

Interesting. Another good video.

[@heyoldman2003]

beyond my pay grade 😄. hahaha. good one 😂

[@koningbolo4700]

9:20 Nothing Barnes Wallis and the Dambusters could not handle... takes about 15 seconds I would guess....

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

The main opposition is the "lake front" that don't want to give up the lake. I am from Roseburg originally (born and raised), so seeing this from home is nice. Amacher Park, where you stopped to get the rail bridge is right about where we used to take the inner tubes, inflatable, boats etc, and begin a long lazy summer float clear down to River Forks where the South Umpqua joined the North Umpqua to become simply "the Umpqua River. I enjoyed that when I was growing up. I'd be curious if i knew your mom from school.

[@mideon13]

Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on...

[@augustharter981]

Actually, I've been on that bridge a couple of times during several trips through Oregon. Have not walked on it, though. Very familiar with Umpqua river! Never been down to look at fish ladder. Thanks for sharing.

[@sunandsage]

Thanks for sharing this! I used to be an OTR driver. For the first few years I did that I ran I-5 a lot. I drove it so many times that I got to where I could almost do it blindfolded - don't worry I never would have done something like that. I wish I would have known about this back then. This would have been a great leg stretch stop. My favorite part of I-5 was between Redding and Eugene. I'm surprised to see so much dead grass this time of year.

[@Wayneh56]

I’ve been there and it was interesting.

[@projekt6_official]

Neat video as always. I've put this on my "want to go" map so I can hopefully visit it before its possible demise. $500 in 1928 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $8,892.60 today, an increase of $8,392.60 over 95 years.

[@jeffmyers7062]

Those are selfie alcoves 😅

[@bradhig]

My grandparents lived in Elkton Oregon and we lived with grandmother when she had alzheimer's. We went to see the fish ladder once after coming back from shopping in Roseburg.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you, Steve. I will rename the Booth Bridge the "Billy Brink Bridge" in memory of a comrade I served with in Vietnam. He often spoke fondly of his home, Roseburg, OR. He survived Vietnam, but had many life and health challenges before he passed. 🙏🤲🕊