Springston Bridge

Have you ever taken a wild leap off the Springston Bridge? It’s pretty much a rite of passage around here—okay, maybe not a must-do, but it sure feels like one! I’ll never forget my very first jump. I was standing there, totally frozen for about 15 minutes, before finally letting go. My childhood buddy had already made five daring jumps before I even got my chance—oh my gosh, the height was absolutely insane! I was only 11 at the time.

If you head over there, you’ll find a ladder built with love by the Kootenai Shop Class and a rope swing hung up by a local. On sunny summer days, the area buzzes with excitement as boats float by and everyone jumping! 

Springston itself has a story to tell—a quirky company town vibe full of history. Once bustling with a railroad depot, the depot agent’s cozy home, a charming company store, a boarding house, a post office, a lively saloon, a school, at least 14 unique residences, float homes, and even a warehouse that stored tugboats, it’s a slice of Americana that captures the spirit of old-school adventure.

Nature, however, had its own dramatic moments here. In January 1918, a massive flood swept through and turned everything topsy-turvy. Wooden bridges around the area couldn’t withstand the surge, and even the Rose Lake bridge got pushed downriver until it jammed up at Springston, creating a log jam that looked like something straight out of an adventure movie! 

Today, the Springston Bridge is closed to traffic. LHTAC will begin the process of dismantling it this fall. It's always bittersweet to say goodbye to a familiar landmark. 

Photo Donated By: JPHOTOS