Accessible Outdoor Adventures in Oregon: Trails for Everyone to Enjoy

Oregon, with its majestic landscapes and rich biodiversity, truly is a playground for lovers of the outdoors. Here, we believe that everyone should get to experience these natural wonders. Breaking barriers and ensuring inclusivity in the world of outdoor exploration, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most accessible trails in the Beaver State; accommodating a variety of abilities, so everyone has the opportunity to marvel at Oregon’s inspiring beauty.

1. Silver Falls State Park

Red, orange, and yellow leaves shift underfoot in autumn, and the sounds of cascading water echo through the forest in the beautiful Silver Falls State Park. Home to the Trail of Ten Falls, a well-maintained, wide path that winds through the park, this trail offers breathtaking views of the park’s many waterfalls. For a shorter, accessible route, the one-mile South Falls Loop trail features flat and paved sections, making it a great pick for those with mobility aids.

2. The Rowena Plateau Trail

Tucked in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, The Rowena Plateau Trail is a loop trail that boasts magnificent views of wildflowers, the winding Columbia River, and the grandeur of Mount Hood. The trail is paved or fairly flat, ensuring it is accessible to all outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Located in Lane County, just a short drive from Eugene, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a nature preserve featuring the 1.5-mile Water Garden trail. With flat pathways, boardwalks, and gravel tracks, the arboretum’s natural beauty is accessible to everyone, including those using mobility aids.

4. Crater Lake National Park

At Crater Lake National Park, you’ll find the Godfrey Glen Trail – a 1-mile loop that offers stunning views of Crater Lake’s crystalline waters and the surrounding forests. Restrooms are available along the trail, making it a practical and breathtaking choice for an outdoor adventure in Oregon.

5. Lava Lands Visitor Center

Located near Bend in Central Oregon, Lava Lands Visitor Center offers the fully accessible Sun-Lava Paved Path, a flat 5.5-mile stretch with astonishing sights of lava flows and geological formations that are unique to this part of the state.

6. Shore Acres State Park

The pathway around Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay grants visitors views of a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged cliffs to meticulously manicured gardens. Stick to the paved sections for a comfortable and accessible stroll encompassing lush Pacific Northwest beauty.

7. Lower Macleay Trail to Stone House

A dream for urban explorers, The Lower Macleay Trail to Stone House in Portland is wheelchair-accessible and a nature-filled escape right in the heart of the city. The starting point is near Portland’s famous Audubon Society, the trail’s subsequent route alongside Balch Creek is gentle on the senses and ideal for those in search of tranquility.

8. Powell Butte Nature Park

Also located in Portland, Powell Butte Nature Park has a paved, 1.2-mile Mountain View Loop. Mosey along the trail for a sweeping vista that includes Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. An interpretive center at the trailhead enhances the experience with additional information about the local flora, fauna, and geography.

9. Middle Fork Willamette River Trail

Near Oakridge, the Middle Fork Willamette River Trail offers over 30 miles of pathway. Of these, the first 2.7 miles from Sand Prairie Campground are paved and form a gentle, wheelchair-accessible hike. Impeccable views of the river and old-growth forests add to the trail-blazing experience.

10. Sweet Creek Trail

The Florence area’s Sweet Creek Trail has 11 waterfalls that flow year-round. The Homestead Trailhead gives access to a well-maintained, mile-long portion of the trail that caters to various abilities, offering everyone the chance to enjoy the soothing sounds of the creek.

Remember, Oregon’s beauty is meant for everyone to enjoy. Respecting the wild involves leaving no trace, so future generations can enjoy these spectacular spots. Life’s an adventure that everyone should get to participate in, so grab your hats, open your hearts to nature’s call, and let’s hit the trail, Oregon!