Have you ever been stoked to explore a new place to recreate outdoors, only to finally get there and run into a ton of barriers? You’re not alone.
I’ve had my fair share of moments where, after gearing up to try out a new trail or park, I’ve had to turn around and head back to the car because of a barrier. There’s nothing more disconcerting as a person with a disability than heading out into the unknown without all the information I need. It takes a lot of thought and planning to prepare for a successful outdoor recreation experience.
This is what led us to create the Accessible Outdoor Recreation Travel Guide. Oregon has many beautiful, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities that anyone can access and enjoy, regardless of their ability level. This guide was created specifically for people in our disabilities community so that you’ve got the information you need to plan a fabulous trip before you head outdoors.
While this guide is by no means an exhaustive list of all the accessible recreation spots in Oregon, it includes popular favorites and hidden gems that came directly from the local community. We crowdsourced six diverse locations from around the state that people in our community love to visit. You’ll get to see their photos, hear their personal stories and experiences from these places, and have detailed accessibility information about each feature highlighted in this guide. We’ve also got information about recreation equipment and adaptive outfitters around the state who can help get you outdoors on guided trips.
Meet the Author
My name is Evita Rush, and I work with the Oregon Health & Outdoors Initiative at Willamette Partnership. As a person living with a spinal cord injury, recreating outside can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for me if I haven’t done my research, and sometimes even when I have. I’m so excited to share with you a small handful of accessible outdoor features across the state of Oregon so that you can be prepared and know what to expect before heading outdoors.
Bring extra water, don’t forget the sunscreen, and I’ll see you out on the trail!
Best,
Evita Rush
This guide was created in partnership between Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection, Adventures Without Limits, and Willamette Partnership. We firmly believe that health and joy are intricately connected to access to nature, that everyone deserves an equitable opportunity to explore and experience the outdoors, and that we achieve better outcomes through partnership and working together.
Read more from the Accessibility Travel Guide.
