Amanda Trail Suspension Bridge to be dedicated May 21-22

May 11, 2022 - The Amanda Trail Suspension Bridge Project has been a six-year endeavor to plan and construct. It was conceived after a debris slide destroyed the second Amanda Bridge and the surrounding area.

Multiple partners worked cooperatively and diligently to make this bridge a reality and to further bring attention to the sad history of the U.S. genocidal policies that led to the death of so many Coos, Lower Umpqua and Alsea Peoples in what is now called Yachats. The true story of Amanda, the trail, and now the bridge stands to remember in perpetuity.

On Saturday, May 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a bridge dedication ceremony.

This dedication is sponsored by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, Oregon Coast Visitors Association, City of Yachats and View the Future.

All events are free, but tickets must be reserved due to limited space. There is no parking at the site. Cars can be parked on Yachats Ocean Road, which is a three-quarter mile walk to the site, or park in Yachats which is a two-mile walk.

Bus transportation is being provided from the Yachats Presbyterian Church, with parking available at the Presbyterian Church, neighboring Yachats Baptist Church, Yachats Commons and nearby streets. The bus will leave guests off at the bottom of the road, requiring a hike of 600 feet to the dedication site — of which 300 feet is uphill. The bus will be making round trips as early as 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and after the dedication as late as 4:30 p.m.

The dedication will be live-streamed to the Yachats Commons because of limited space at the site and to accommodate those who may have physical limitations to not be able to, and for overflow if the buses cannot accommodate the numbers.

Non-alcoholic refreshments and cookies will be served at both dedication sites.

There will be additional events that evening and the next day that will all take place at Yachats Commons. Tickets are required for the evening events, which include the chance to play the Yachats Community Drum, Yellow Bear, and “Amanda Transcending,” a play by Connie Bennett and directed by Milo Graamans.

Oregon State Covid requirements will be required in all settings. For information and registration, go to www.ViewtheFuture.org and click on “2022 Bridge Dedication.”