Oregon has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love to have some first-hand recommendations. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
Accessible Adventures in the Pacific Northwest Videos The US Forest Service has produced a series of videos (33 as of August 2016) narrated by John Williams. These five to six minute videos visit National Forests and Scenic Byways in Washington and Oregon, letting you see just how accessible (or not) many of these wonderful places are.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
“The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area protects the spectacular canyon where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade mountains – with cliffs and overlooks of Washington to the north and Oregon’s mountains and waterfalls to the south.”
Here is the Area website.
Map Video of Accessible Adventures phone (541) 308-1700
Catherine Creek Trail #4400 is a one mile paved trail “with great views of the Columbia River on the south side of the county road. …….. Some individuals with disabilities may need assistance on the Catherine Creek Trail.” Here is a description from OregonHikers.org. This is part of the Burdoin/Coyote Wall/Catherine Creek Recreation Area Day hiking trails
St. Cloud Trail #4410 is a “Short loop through an old apple orchard. Interpretive signs explain the historical importance of the area.”
Sandy River Delta Trail #4417 is a 1.1 mile compact gravel trail to the Sandy River Confluence bird blind site. Map
Balfour-Klickitat Trail #4414 0.7 miles. “….offers unique views of the Columbia and the Klickitat rivers as well as wildflower and birdwatching opportunities.” The trail is “paved and accessible with a 0-15% gradient. Most of the trail is ADA accessible; some people with disabilities may need assistance.” Described by OregonHikers.org.
Sams Walker Trail #4402 a 1.1 mile loop. “…good views of the Oregon side of the Gorge and picnic tables at the viewpoint. It is 3 feet wide and surfaced with crushed gravel.” Described by OregonHikers.orgCrater Lake National Park –
“Most of the park’s 183,000 acres are in the backcountry, and are generally inaccessible to visitors with mobility impairments. However, several front-country trails are fully accessible, and others have portions that may be negotiable with assistance.”
Here is the Park website. Accessibility Maps Phone 541-594-3000
Crater Lake National Park from paved, accessible walkway There is an accessible concrete walkway at the main viewing area for Crater Lake. Another viewing area, the Watchman Overlook, has a ramp to its deck. We didn’t get to them, but there are three short trails in the forest described as “Accessible to wheelchair users with assistance”. These are The Pinnacles, Godfrey Glen, and the first 3/4 of the 2.2 mile Plaikni Falls trail.
Crater Lake from accessible Watchman’s Point, Crater Lake National Park OR 
Crater Lake and Wizard Island Crater Lake National Park OR Hell’s Canyon Overlook –
“Situated off the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, the Hells Canyon Overlook provides a dramatic panorama of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils Mountains. The area hosts outstanding wildflower viewing both en route along the scenic byway and at the overlook.” Phone 541-426-4978 Here is their website.
From the wheelchair accessible overlook you look east across the Snake River towards Idaho. There are accessible toilets.
View of Hell’s Canyon Mt. Hood National Forest
“Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams…”
Here is the Forest website. phone 503-668-1700 Links to maps
Lost Lake Loop at Lost Lake Campground 3.2 mile, described as “nearly level”. There are accessible fishing piers along the eastern lake shore, with some accessible paths. Described by OregonHikers.orgSiuslaw National Forest
“…the Siuslaw National Forest stretches from the lush forests of the coastal mountains to the unique Oregon Dunes and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.”
Here is the Forest website. phone 541-750-7000 Accessible trails and viewing platforms
Oregon Dunes Loop Trail #1334 The first 1/2 mile of this trail is paved and goes to a viewing area and several picnic sites.
Sutton Trails #1321 Map This includes the Holman Vista Trail #1326 (accessible to the viewing deck) and Darlingtonia Trail #1320, a boardwalk across a bog with carnivorous plants.Willamette National Forest
The 1.6 million acres Willamette National Forest is offers a…” varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams, and wooded slopes”.
Here is the Forest website. Supervisor phone 541-225-6300 Links to maps.
Try calling the Ranger District offices for easy trail ideas: Detroit Ranger District 503-854-3366, Sweet Home Ranger District 541-367-5168, McKenzie River Ranger District 541-822-3381, Middle Fork Ranger District 541-782-2283.
Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail #4170 1/4 mile fine gravel surface with an elevation gain of 100′. “The trail crosses Trout Creek and ends at two viewing platforms. The first platform provides a view of the Walton Ranch site and wildlife habitat area. The second platform provides a better view of the west end of the meadow, where elk concentrate during winter months.”
Accessible Adventures: McKenzie Pass National Scenic Byway on the Willamette National Forest is a video on YouTube. Several accessible trails and overlooks are illustrated in the video.
State
Oregon State Parks
Here is general information about Oregon state parks, including links to the Interactive Find a Park Map and brochures and maps for all the parks. Phone 800-551-6949Oregon State Parks possibilities Oregon State Parks uses “symbols to represent major park features & activities. Blue icons mean some/all are ADA accessible.” The following parks and recreation areas display the hiker symbol in blue on their website, but there are no descriptions of any accessible trails in the parks’ descriptions , brochures or maps. You might try calling the parks for clarification.
Collier Memorial State Park phone 541-783-2471
Crissey Field State Recreation Site phone 541-469-0224
Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area phone 503-879-8-5814
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial Sate Park phone 541-997-3851
Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area phone 503-695-2261
Prineville Reservoir State Park 541-447-4363
Shore Acres State Park 541-888-3732
Starvation Creek State Park 541-374-8811 or 503-695-2261Alderwood State Wayside
“Large trees characterize this forested park along Hwy 36 between Junction City and Triangle Lake. There’s a picnic area, restroom, and short trail along the Long Tom River”
Phone 541-937-1173 Here is their website.
Trail along the Tom river is described as “short”. Be sure to call ahead for trail conditions and to be sure it is accessible for you.Banks-Vernonia State Trail
“Most of the route consists of an eight-foot wide hiking and bicycle trail paralleled by a four-foot wide horse trail. The gentle grade in all but one area allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people of all abilities to enjoy the scenic mountains, fields and forests of Washington and Columbia counties.”
Here is the Trail website. Brochure Phone 503-324-0606 or 800-551-6949
About 26 miles west of Portland, this 21 mile rail trail is a “…tree-lined, easy-grade pathway [which] conducts you through sun-dappled glades and across swift, clear streams, filling your nose with wildflower scents and your ears with the songs of birds.”Bridal Veil Falls State Park
“Bridal Veil Falls State Park is located near mile post 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway and is accessed off I-84 at Exit 28.” The upper, interpretive, trail takes visitors around the precipice of the cliffs of the Gorge. The trail is fenced to “protect visitors along the viewpoint while maximizing every vantage point of the magnificent view of the Gorge.”
Here is their website Phone 503-695-2261
Upper Interpretive Loop Trail is 1/2 mile and “… takes visitors around the precipice of the cliffs of the Gorge”. “The trail is fenced beautifully with logged beams and wire to protect visitors along the viewpoint while maximizing every vantage point of the magnificent view of the Gorge.”Ecola State Park
“Wrapping around Tillamook Head, between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers outstanding sightseeing and recreation opportunities combined with a storied past.”
Here is the Park website. Phone 503-436-2844 Brochure OregonHikers.org
? Clatsop Loop Hike is a 3 mile gravel road and I have found some references implying some of it is wheelchair accessible. However, there is an elevation gain of 700 feet. The first 1/2 mile is not steep, but you need to call ahead to determine trail conditions.Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail Bike Map phone 541-387-4010 or 503-695-2261
Bridge of the Gods Trailhead The trail is ADA compliant for three miles before coming to a staircase with bikewheel grooves.
Tooth Rock Trailhead The trail going east from the trailhead is ADA compliant for one mile.Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site
“Short trails with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains pass Knight’s Pond, a cool summer oasis and a peaceful respite for hikers. Look for spring and summer wildflowers during your walk. You also may catch glimpses of deer, fox, bear and raptors.”
Brochure Phone 541-432-4185 Here is their website.
Although the website for this site indicates some accessible hiking, the brochure does not.
The trail system is less than one mile and judging from the map in the brochure, you could enjoy a nice walk from the South Main Street trailhead.OC and E Woods Line State Trail phone 541-883-5558 Brochure
This is a 109 mile, rail-to-trail conversion is open to all non-motorized recreation from Klamath Falls , east to Bly and north to Sycan Marsh. The paved section is from Klamath Falls to Olene. Call ahead for up-to-date information on trail conditions and to be sure the section you are interested in is appropriate for you.Silver Falls State Park
Most of the trails in this Willamette Valley park, known for its waterfalls, are moderate to difficult. Here is a description from Oregon.com.
Trail Guide and Brochure Park phone 503-873-8681 Park Map Maps of the Trail of Ten Falls and of the South Falls Day-use Area.
? South Falls Loop 1 mile. The website 7 Most Beautiful Hikes in Oregon describes this trail as “super accessible for families and even those traveling with a stroller.” AllTrails says it is “good for all skill levels.” However, other sources describe it as steep and slippery. Call first.
? There is 4 mile “mostly paved” bike path loop with rolling hills. You might call the park to see if any part of this path would be usable for a wheelchair.South Beach State Park
South Beach State Park is next to the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It begins in south Newport and stretches several miles down the Oregon coast.
Here is their website. Phone 541-867-4715 Brochure
South Jetty Trail is a paved one mile link between the park’s day-use are and south Jetty Road
Interpretive Boardwalk a 1/4 mile trail which “…gives all visitors access to the park’s oceanfront dunes and a sweeping view…”Sunset Beach State Recreation Site
Sunset Beach “…provides visitors with direct access to the Pacific Ocean with expansive views from Cape Disappointment to the north and Ecola State Park to the south.”
Here is their website. Phone 503-861-3170 x 21
There is an “ADA accessible boardwalk leading to the beach.”The Valley of the Rogue State Park
“Valley of the Rogue Park has both a day-use picnic area and an overnight campground along three miles of shoreline on the Rogue River.” The Rogue River Greenway trail goes four miles through the Park.
Here is the Park website.
541-582-1118 Brochure
River’s Edge Interpretive Trail is an “…easy, self-guided interpretive walking rail [which] provides a relaxing 1.25 mile stroll along the river’s edge. ”
? Rogue River Greenway Most of this trail appears to be paved and relatively flat. Call 800-541-0925 before you go to be sure the part you plan to travel is accessible.Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Fifteen minutes from downtown Portland, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is 658 acres of second-growth forests and includes meandering Tryon Creek.
Here is the Area’s website. phone 503-636-9886 Brochure and Map Trail Map
Trillium Trail is 0.37 mile ADA, paved, and has “….resting benches and viewing decks. Trail features are identified along the way.”
There is a short trail with pavers to the Glen Jackson Shelter.
Local
Portland Metro
“Metro serves more than 1.5 million people in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The agency’s boundary encompasses Portland, Oregon and 24 other cities – from the Columbia River in the north to the bend of the Willamette River near Wilsonville, and from the foothills of the Coast Range near Forest Grove to the banks of the Sandy River at Troutdale.” Phone 503-665-4995 ext. 0 Here is the website for Metro’s Parks and Venues.
Wheelchairtraveling.com on Portland’s accessibility
Access Recreation, conceived and led by Georgena Moran, is a wonderful project which provides assessments and videos to benefit hikers with disabilities in the Portland Metro region. There are candid descriptions, photos, maps and annotated profiles. Access Trails Overall map Hiking trails videos.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park has a 3/4 mile accessible loop trail Trail Map Field Guide
Scouters Mountain Nature Park has a 1/4 mile accessible loop at the top of the hill. Field Guide Map
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area Field Guide phone 503-797-1545 Map
The Interlakes Trail and the 40-mile Loop Trail are both wheelchair accessible as are the wildlife viewing platforms and restroom.
Mount Talbert Nature Park Website phone North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District at 503-794-8041 Trail Map There is a “short gravel trail” and picnic shelter which are accessible.
Graham Oaks Nature Park Field Guide
“Much of the park is wheelchair accessible, although some trails are more challenging. ” I suggest you call first for clarification: 503-665-4995
Forest Park Map of Trails and Roads Described on wheelchairtraveling.com
Leif Erikson Drive is an 11 mile gravel road.
The Lower Macleay Trail is paved for a short distance ending at Balch Creek.
Blue Lake Regional Park Map The 2 mile Blue Lake Loop Hike described by OregonHikers.org
Private
Miscellaneous
Access Oregon published by Oregon Fish & Wildlife is a guide to fishing recreation areas throughout Oregon.
Access Recreation Here is a wonderful project in Washington and Oregon.
“Access Recreation [AR] is a Portland, Oregon ad hoc committee that has been developing uniform guidelines for minimum information that should be provided about hiking trails and outdoor recreational facilities, that would benefit hikers with disabilities. These guidelines can be applied to websites, printed materials and at trail sites. …..When put into place, these guidelines will provide the public with easy access to better information on the accessibility of recreational and hiking trails in the states of Oregon and Washington and nationwide.” Georgena Moran, founder and project coordinator, says it is a “two-year project [ends June 2016] and as for now only two trails have been trail mapped the with video accompaniment.” Article by Georgena, “Trails for Everyone”.Accessible Travel website with trip ideas and downloadable brochure: Accessible Outdoor Recreation Travel Guide created in partnership with Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection, Adventures Without Limits, and Willamette Partnership. Here is another really nice pdf: Oregon Accessibility Travel Guide “From wheelchair users around the state.” Thank you LJ for letting us know about these.
Accessible Trails a website by Eileen Garvin is full of suggestions of places to go to enjoy “the breathtaking splendor of Oregon.”
Disabled Hikers is “… a disability-led organization building community and justice in the outdoors. The website includes detailed trail guides – currently primarily in the PNW but we accept submissions from anywhere.” Thank you to founder Syren Nagakyrie for telling us about it. She “also leads group hikes and provides other resources and does advocacy work.”
Nature For The Blind has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.
Oregon Hikers Forum is a service of the Trailkeepers of Oregon, a non-profit organization. They provide this marvelous Find a Hike page where you can put in your parameters to look for suitable hikes in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. I chose easy Family hikes with an elevation gain less than 500′ and came up with 186 trails. Limit that to 2 miles or less and you get 81. The Trailkeepers also have the online Oregon Hikers Field Guide for hiking in Oregon and Southern Washington.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Oregon.
“Lots of options for wheelchair, stroller recreation” This is a useful article from The Oregonian, by Terry Richard published March 23, 2008 and updated November 16, 3009.
Wheelchairtraveling.com is an outstanding resource.