Accessible Outdoor Adventures in Oregon: Trails for All Abilities
Oregon’s diverse landscape, complete with mountains, beaches, forests, and waterfalls, is the perfect outdoor playground. And best of all, many trails are accessible to adventurers of all abilities, making them a wonderful way for everyone to connect with the state’s natural beauty. Here’s a list of the state’s best accessible trails, marked with that classic Oregon spirit and sense of joy found in nature.1. Mount Bachelor: Marshmallow Trail
Mount Bachelor, located in Central Oregon near Bend, offers the Marshmallow Trail, a half-mile paved path perfect for wheelchairs and strollers alike. The scenic trail winds through mountain hemlock trees and offers peaceful alcoves. Don’t forget to grab a cup of the locally famous Backporch Coffee Roasters on your way up!2. Silver Falls State Park: Canyon Trail
Known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park boasts the easy-access Canyon Trail. This trail lets adventurers get an up-close view of the lower South Falls, a breathtaking 177-foot waterfall. Venture here in spring to see the falls at their most powerful.3. Crater Lake National Park: Rim Village
At Crater Lake National Park, the paved Rim Village trail offers staggering views of the deepest lake in the United States. Not to be missed is The Kettle, the local food cart that serves comforting homemade stews and chilis right there on Lake Rim Drive.
4. Columbia River Gorge: Columbia River Highway State Trail
Offering three disconnected paved segments free of motorized traffic and accessible to users of all abilities, the Columbia River Highway State Trail showcases the undeniable allure of the Columbia River Gorge. Be sure to visit in late spring when the area’s wildflowers are in full bloom.5. Skinner Butte: Riverbank Trail System
In the heart of Eugene, Skinner Butte’s Riverbank Trail System is a fully paved two-mile loop offering spectacular river views. It’s a local favorite, and along the way you’ll often see artists painting or photographers capturing the breathtaking views.6. Oregon Coast: Rogue River Walk
Down along the Southwest Oregon coast, the Rogue River Walk is a perfect accessible trail. Easy to navigate, the paved route offers views of the Pacific Ocean, glimpses of playful harbor seals, and the soothing sound of crashing waves. Surprise migrating grey whales are a common delight near the mouth of the river.7. William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge: Beaver Pond Trail
Located in Corvallis, the refuge’s Beaver Pond Loop is an accessible one-mile boardwalk trail that takes you through wetlands, ash swales, and a variety of habitats. Big tip: bring your binoculars. The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise all year round.8. Portland: Eastbank Esplanade
In the heart of bustling Portland, the Eastbank Esplanade is a paved trail that meanders along the east side of the Willamette River. The Esplanade provides panoramic city skyline vistas and features floating walkways, a perfect place to let the city’s culinary delights, like Voodoo Doughnut or Salt & Straw ice cream, hit the spot.9. Hells Canyon: Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center
The interpretive trail at the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center is wheelchair-friendly and provides informative details about the Snake River, the native Nez Perce people, and the region’s rich mining history. Remember, the visitor center has the best Idaho spud candy. Don’t leave without trying some!10. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway: Watson Falls
The Umpqua National Forest presents the accessible trail to Watson Falls, Oregon’s third-highest waterfall. The paved path leads to a beautiful viewing deck. Plan to catch the sunset there – the golden hues on the cascading water is an experience to remember.Remember, Oregon’s great outdoors is for everyone. So, whether you’re an Oregon local or visiting from out of town, in a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller, there’s a trail out there waiting for you to explore. So, grab your favorite trail snacks, layer up for variations in Oregon weather, and lace up those hiking boots… or buckle those chair straps… the beauty of Oregon is yours to discover!