The 1936 Berta’s Ranch covered bridge in northern California’s Humboldt County. Little is known of this bridge, which is the most westerly covered bridge in America. At 52 feet long, this Queen truss bridge spans the Elk River south of Eureka. Constructed with native Redwood, which was inexpensive and plentiful at the time, it is nearly identical to the Zane’s Ranch Covered Bridge, just a quarter of a mile upriver, built the following year, 1937.

This bridge includes 30-foot wooden approach ramps. The 1938 list from the State Bridge Department lists the span as 50 feet. It also holds the distinction of being the oldest remaining covered bridge in Humboldt County. Originally, the bridge was painted white with trapezoidal portals.

The portal boards were cut higher to accommodate taller vehicles sometime in the 2000s. Despite some modifications, the bridge still retains its original structural members. Commercial vehicle traffic is prohibited at this time to no more than 3-ton vehicle weight.

Located at:  N40 43.473   W124 10.618       -       WGCB #05-12-02

Photographed in May of 2025

Photos by Millard Farmer