A new $434,000 suspension bridge graces the Amanda Trail near Yachats.
The 142-ft. long bridge spans a section over a meditation and gathering area, as well as a statue depicting Amanda Du-Cuys. She was a Coos Indian put on a forced march in the 1860s, referred to as Oregon’s own “Trail of Tears.”
Joanne Kittel owns the property, and has been a major proponent of recognizing this era of colonization. She’s ecstatic that this will be the first suspension bridge on the Oregon Coast Trail.
“It’s more than a structure. Hopefully it will go further to bridging cultures," she told KLCC. "It will be a place that people can take some pride in.
"For me particularly, it’s very emotional because I love that area, and I love people walking the trail.”
More than $55,000 in private donations supported the bridge’s construction. A previous one was wiped out by a 2015 mudslide. A dedication ceremony is slated for May 21st.
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