The Depot Lakes interpretive trail brochure states that the footbridge is located on the site of an old bridge which existed during the logging days in the Depot Lakes area.

"The ruins of the stone abutments of the old bridge are still in place. The bridge which was built about 1870 was made of piled rock with a mortared stone facade and a span of logs. To the north of the bridge was one of the camping depots, and a structure belonging to their cooks, the Rowley Brothers. Legend has it that both brothers were bachelors and Irish in descent, building a cabin and settling in that area during the logging era. Thus, in time, the bridge became known as Rowley's Bridge. Today, the rapids still carry the Rowley name. The last log drive came through about 1908."