Outdoor enthusiasts can find a number of destinations across Oregon ideal for accessible adventures. Visitors to the Oregon Coast can especially enjoy even more accessibility and inclusivity at its state parks — and more upgrades are on the horizon. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy the Oregon Coast, no matter your ability level.
Reach the Beach in Adaptive Wheelchairs
Miles of sandy shores act as the setting for both zen moments and fun memories splashing in the waves. Visitors to Seaside, Lincoln City and Beverly Beach State Park in Newport can enjoy the use of Mobi-Mats, which allow people using wheelchairs and strollers to access the beach. With 850 feet of Mobi-Mats installed as of September 2023, Seaside is proud to host the longest accessible beach access of its kind on the Oregon Coast.
Beverly Beach, which already has a number of paved pathways, is the latest beach on the Oregon Coast to become more accessible to wheelchair users. Towns including Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Pacific City and Rockaway Beach have adaptive wheelchairs that visitors can rent for free.
And in Netarts, Manzanita, Pacific City and Seaside, visitors may request free use of David’s Chair — an “Action Trackchair” (available in adult size and children’s size) that allows people with mobility challenges to access the sandy beach. Outdoorsman David Hatrick came up with the idea to make these chairs publicly available at no cost after being diagnosed with ALS in 2017, passing away 18 months later. Now the nonprofit group run by his friend Steve Furst offers the trackchairs both at designated locations and on a “tow-and-go” basis.
Enjoy the Water From ADA-Accessible Boat Launches
Paddling is an activity that everyone should try at least once, and the Oregon Coast is home to a number of spots that make the activity an option for everybody. The newest addition is at William M. Tugman State Park south of Reedsport, which opened an accessible kayak launch this summer. Visitors can now access Eel Lake by a paved path leading to and from van-accessible parking spaces and a transfer platform with handrails.
Between Florence and Reedsport, the Tahkenitch Landing Boat Ramp is accessible to wheelchair users for both boat access and fishing. There are also ADA-accessible kayak launches in other regions, including the Necanicum River in Seaside and launches planned for Port of Garibaldi Marina and the Wheeler Marina, scheduled to be ready by Sept. 31. There are also a number of accessible fishing docks up and down the Coast.
Oregon State Parks also partners with Adventures Without Limits, which provides custom recreation experiences for people of all abilities, including accessible kayak events and overnight camping trips.
Get Out in Nature on Accessible Trails
There are a number of accessible trails throughout Oregon, and the Coast is no exception. In Newport the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area offers a paved three-quarter-mile path to the lighthouse and interpretive center. The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, south of Yachats, has a number of wheelchair-accessible paths perfect for enjoying the sweeping ocean views and lush rain-forest habitat. Darlingtonia State Natural Site, north of Florence, has a boardwalk path so visitors can easily witness the 18 acres of rare plants.
Inclusive Restrooms and More Improvements
You may have noticed that many Oregon State Parks are phasing out multi-stall, gender-specific restroom facilities and installing more single-occupancy, gender-neutral restrooms. Nehalem Bay State Park and South Beach State Park have already converted unused laundry facilities into gender-neutral, fully accessible and single-occupancy restrooms large enough to maneuver a wheelchair or other mobility equipment.
In upcoming years, visitors to the Coast can soon expect to see more accessible parking areas, picnic areas, campsites, paths and trails, as well as benches along trails — all part of Oregon State Parks’ ADA Transition Plan. To learn about the accessibility of each state park you plan to visit, check out the park’s webpage and look for the “Tour Accessible Features” option.
