Nutty Narrows – Squirrel Bridges

Description

You know what’s absolutely adorable and uniquely quirky? Longview, Washington’s famous Nutty Narrows Bridge – the world’s first-ever squirrel bridge! I gotta tell ya, when I first heard about this charming piece of architectural whimsy, I couldn’t help but smile. Built back in 1963 by a local builder named Amos Peters who had a soft spot for our furry friends, this elevated walkway gives squirrels a safe passage across busy Olympia Way.

But here’s the cool part – what started as one bridge has grown into a whole network of these adorable crossings. The original bridge might look like a mini suspension bridge with its steel wire and aluminum piping, but newer additions showcase different creative designs. Y’all, these aren’t just any ordinary crossings – they’re officially registered with the National Historic Register! How’s that for taking squirrel safety seriously?

Key Features

• Original 1963 Nutty Narrows Bridge featuring classic suspension bridge design
• Multiple additional bridges added over the years, each with unique architectural elements
• Decorative touches including cedar planking and tin roofing
• Historical marker explaining the bridges’ significance
• Perfect photo opportunities of squirrels using their dedicated crossings
• Educational signage about local wildlife conservation
• Seasonal decorations during holidays
• Multiple viewing spots along the sidewalks
• Integration with the city’s urban landscape
• Regular maintenance ensures bridges remain safe for squirrel transit

Best Time to Visit

Lemme tell you something from experience – if you wanna catch these cute critters in action, timing is everything! Fall is absolutely spectacular, when the squirrels are super active gathering nuts for winter. You’ll see them scampering across their little highways all day long. Early mornings, especially between 8-10 AM, tend to be prime squirrel-watching hours.

Spring’s pretty fantastic too, when baby squirrels start venturing out onto the bridges. But honestly? These bridges are charming year-round. Winter brings holiday decorations, and summer offers perfect weather for a leisurely stroll while squirrel-spotting. Just avoid visiting during heavy rain – our furry friends tend to lay low when it’s pouring.

How to Get There

Finding these adorable bridges is pretty straightforward – they’re right in downtown Longview. The original bridge and its newer companions stretch across various streets in the civic center area. Once you’re downtown, just look up! These distinctive bridges are hard to miss with their unique designs and elevated positions.

Your best bet is to start at the library area and follow the trail of bridges from there. There’s plenty of public parking nearby, and the whole area is super walkable. Ya know what’s cool? The city’s actually added some helpful wayfinding signs to help visitors spot all the different bridges.

Tips for Visiting

Ok, listen up, cause I’ve learned a few things from my visits that’ll make your squirrel-bridge experience even better! First off, bring a camera – preferably one with a decent zoom lens. These little guys move fast, and you’ll want to capture them using their special crossings.

Be patient! Sometimes you might need to wait a few minutes (or even longer) to spot squirrels using the bridges. Trust me, it’s worth it. And please, pretty please, don’t feed the squirrels – they’ve got plenty of natural food sources, and human food isn’t good for them.

Wear comfortable walking shoes cause you’ll want to explore all the different bridges. There’s usually street parking available, but during weekday business hours it might be a bit tricky to find a spot right away.

Pro tip: combine your visit with other downtown attractions – there’s some great local cafes where you can grab a coffee and watch the squirrel action from their windows. Oh, and if you’re bringing kids (which you totally should), make it into a game – who can spot the most squirrels using the bridges?

And hey, while you’re there, respect the local businesses and residents. These bridges are in an active downtown area, so be mindful of traffic when looking up at the bridges. During summer months, bring water and maybe a hat – there’s not tons of shade in some spots.

Lastly, consider visiting during one of Longview’s festivals or events – the bridges often get special decorations, and the whole atmosphere is extra festive. Just remember, these bridges aren’t just cute tourist attractions – they’re actually helping protect our local wildlife, which makes them even more special!

Location

Places to Stay Near Nutty Narrows - Squirrel Bridges

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides