The Railroad Bridge

Along the Cosumnes River you will see a railroad bridge crossing that crosses north and south across the Cosumnes River — a landmark that reflects both the natural and human history of this landscape. Built in the early 20th century, the bridge was part of the Southern Pacific Railroad line that once carried passengers and freight across the Central Valley. Its presence reminds us how transportation and commerce helped shape the region, even as the river continued to flow beneath it.

Today, the bridge offers a striking contrast: heavy steel and timber spanning a free-flowing river that has resisted the kind of damming and channelization seen elsewhere in California. From this spot, it’s common to see great egrets and herons fishing in the shallows, or hear the rattling calls of sandhill cranes overhead during the winter months.

The railroad bridge not only tells a story of human connection across the landscape, but also serves as a vantage point to appreciate the Cosumnes River’s enduring role as a lifeline for wildlife, water, and people.