Research shows that the most popular American bucket list item is to walk on the second highest railway arch ever built in the United States. Millions and millions of people go to bed every night hoping to wake up in the morning with the sole purpose of hiking to this elusive bridge. And not only that, but the desire is spreading—around the world. Tourists are leaving the Great Wall of China in search of this railway arch; they are running down the steps of the Eiffel Tower, soaring from the pyramids of Egypt, leaping out of the coliseum, all in hopes of exploring the next wonder of the world: Shelton, Washington’s very own Vance Creek Bridge—the second highest railway arch ever built in the United States.
Perhaps, the introduction was a smidge hyperbolic; in fact, the most popular items on bucket lists are more along the lines of seeing the northern lights, going skydiving and falling in love. And, in fact, only Washingtonians seem to have any desire to venture to the Vance Creek Bridge, but that does not diminish its incredible essence—at least to Bellarmine students, especially juniors. Every weekend Bprep Instagram accounts flood with gorgeous pictures of the views from Shelton’s hidden treasure. The bridge soars 365 feet above the South Fork of the Snohomish River. Originally built in 1929 by the Simpson Timber Railroad Company, the 800 foot long monstrosity was abandoned in the 1950s. But kids go not only for the scenic picture-perfect moments but also the adventure; at the Vance Creek Bridge, the journey truly is part of the destination.
Julianne Werner said, “The main road to get there was completely flooded over, so we had to find our own way. We thought about turning around and going back to Tacoma several times, but since it took a while to get there, we found another road with a sign that said ‘primitive roads.’ So pretty much we went off-roading, four wheel drive in my dad’s truck in the middle of nowhere near the mountains. It was quite the experience.”
Next comes the hike…if one can really call it a hike. Kelly Tebb said that finding the trail-head was no easy task. “They don’t make it very clear where you’re supposed to enter,” Tebb said. “The sign called it brown trail or something, so my friend and I ended up going an hour past the bridge and walking a few wrong trails.” And perhaps “walking” is the best way to describe the quarter-mile trek to the bridge. Jaxson Schneider said, “The ‘hike’ route that we took to the Vance Creek Bridge was about as long as the sidewalk from Bellarmine to Target.”
After the “substantially short hike,” as Lilly Navarre called it, “The first glimpse of the bridge is breathtaking.”
Lauren Jensen said, “We are lucky to live so close to such an amazing landmark in the PNW. Standing on the old railway looking down at the rushing river below was a thrilling experience.”
Despite the awe-striking nature of this Washington landmark, despite the lovely pictures and the glorious views, the bridge is dangerous.
Tebb said, “It’s pretty much a death trap–not even a trap, just death. The wood planks are very old, and there are big gaps between each plank so it would be very easy to slip right through with one wrong step.” Simpson Railroad Company likely does not approve of people walking on the bridge for it sports no handrails or safety mechanisms of any sort; one wrong step and it’s a 37 story free fall. High winds in nasty weather could likely blow someone off, and there would be no stopping a 365 plummet to death.
Martin Pugeda said, “Being on the bridge was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. It probably wouldn’t have been as scary if it wasn’t for the fact that I was wearing Vans on a slippery bridge, in the middle of a hailstorm, over a 350 ft. drop. Oh and I also have a crippling fear of heights. But anybody else would have an awesome time—maybe. I’m glad I had a friend to carry me across, or else there’s no way I would’ve made it.”
During the winter seasons, extreme weather also adds to the dangerous nature of this adventure. The roads to the bridge are winding and narrow. Often the speed limit does not correlate to safe driving speeds, especially when ice covers the road. Once, while driving away from the bridge, Miristi Devereux and Kyle Shuman’s car skidded on ice. They were driving well under the speed limit and still lost complete control of the vehicle. Devereux said, “I would urge people to take extra precautions not only on the bridge, but also driving to and from. When I went it was a beautiful sunny day, but that didn’t affect the ice on that corner of the road. I would never want anyone to have to go through what we went through with such a terrible car accident, so if someone intends to make the trip, I really hope he or she stays safe.” For these reasons and more, it is not recommended to travel to the bridge or walk out on it.
On top of the dangers, the hike has become a bit of a cliché, according to Cathryn Casey, who said, “I just think it’s funny how we see a cool picture a friend posted of a 3/4 mile hike and rather than get inspired to go above and beyond that, we immediately want to go there. I hope the Vance Creek Bridge can start to inspire people to go on longer hikes and truly immerse themselves in nature, not just for the purpose of a picture.” Most people say to view the wondrous bridge from other vantage points from other hikes but not to risk lives on the bridge itself. Although it does make a pretty picture.