Mazama, WA

The Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge is a light-vehicle crossing of the Methow River near Mazama, WA. The design is based on a traditional suspension bridge concept with floor beam supported deck and lacking a stiffening truss. Twin mainlines were used to facilitate construction and the A-frame towers were chosen to increase tower stability during periods of heavy snow loading and operation of snow grooming equipment. Managed by the Methow Valley Sport Trail Association, the bridge is the primary crossing of the Methow River, linking a network of more than 200 miles of trails. Situated at the east-end of the North Cascade Highway in Washington State, there are year-round activities in the Methow. Throughout the year the bridge and trail system are open to hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, and in the winter all 200+ miles of the system are groomed for cross country skiing.