Find our entire Accessible Road Trip series here: 1. Willamette Valley / 2. Central Oregon / 3. Portland Region / 4. Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge / 5. Southern Oregon / 6. Eastern Oregon / 7. Oregon Coast
Kyle Coon and Jessica Tuomela have traveled the world climbing mountains, running triathlons, breaking world records, writing books and giving inspirational speeches — all without use of their sight. They’ve both been blind since childhood, and have channeled their gifts of positivity, inspiration and athleticism to represent the U.S. at the Paralympic Games multiple times (twice for Coon and four times for Tuomela).
In spring 2025 the couple traveled to Southern Oregon with their guide dogs to experience the region’s natural wonders and world-class attractions. “When accessibility is done right, you can just be yourself,” says Coon. “Blindness doesn’t have to be a barrier. You can still live an incredible life; have a life full of adventure. You might have to do things differently, but there’s a whole world of possibility out there.”
Wheel the World is a travel platform that has partnered with Oregon and 43 of its communities, meaning a significant percentage of the state’s hotels, activities, transportation and restaurants have been reviewed and verified by accessible community travelers. These listings include detailed accessibility information and photos to help travelers plan their trip to Oregon with confidence.
In fact, Oregon is the first Accessibility Verified state in the U.S., and Southern Oregon invites travelers of all mobilities to enjoy its world-class arts and culture, vineyards and trails, and the deepest lake in the U.S. Here’s how to take an accessible 2-day road trip around Southern Oregon.
Day 1: Nature Strolls, Shakespeare and Hot Springs
Lithia Park is often called the region’s crown jewel for nature lovers, with its miles of trails, gardens, creeks and local wildlife all in the midst of the city. It’s a must-visit for Ashland, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold. For Coon and Tuomela, it was the fresh scent of the trees and the sounds of the river that stimulated their senses.
Oregon is world-famous for its arts and culture, and the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland is its hub, drawing visitors to its three stages March through October. Each season brings a lineup of 10 professional shows, both Shakespeare and non-Shakespeare, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Visitors can book backstage tours and take advantage of the sign-interpreted weekends, assistive listening devices, wheelchair-friendly seating, accessible parking, elevators, caption and audio descriptions, and a private restroom designated for families and people with disabilities.
About 90 minutes east of Ashland you’ll find the city of Klamath Falls, known for its 300 days of annual sunshine. It’s also a key location along the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route for birds and a hot spot for birders all year-round. Common Block Brewing, with locations in Klamath Falls and Medford, is a family-friendly brewpub that serves great pizzas, burgers and salads with a pup-friendly patio with a tent and heaters for year-round comfort. Enjoy a step-free entrance, accessible dining area and restrooms, and low dining tables.
Headed to Crater Lake the next day? Find comfy digs about 25 minutes north of Klamath Falls (and 20 minutes south of Crater Lake) in Chiloquin, home to Kla-Mo-Ya Casino and Sleep Inn hotel, owned and operated by the Klamath Tribes. Staying at a tribal-owned business is a great way to support Oregon’s tribal communities and learn about the tribal history and culture of the area. Named for the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin tribes, the property is home to a casual-dining restaurant, Vegas-style slots and one-stop travel center. Rooms are 100% smoke-free with views of the ponderosa pines, accessible parking and restrooms, step-free entrance and obstacle-free area. Coon and Tuomela say the Braille signage at the hotel was some of the best they had ever experienced in their global travels, noting that it made them feel safe and welcome.
Day 2: Crater Lake, Hiking and Zip Lining
You could easily soak up the grandeur at Crater Lake for days — it is, after all, the nation’s deepest lake, and every part of the national park offers a different perspective of the azure waters and the photogenic Wizard Island in the middle of the caldera. You don’t have to go on a strenuous hike to appreciate the beauty. You can drive around Rim Drive and stop at the scenic viewpoints. Or you can check out the fully accessible Glen Godfrey Trail, a 1-mile loop that offers views of old-growth forest, views of the canyon and wildflowers and local wildlife.
Stop in for a beverage or meal at Crater Lake Lodge, where the Adirondack seating outside is a delightful place to spend the afternoon with a front-row seat to the view. It’s also a great place to spend the night at the park — make sure to book far in advance.
Time for some thrills? Just outside the park, Crater Lake Zipline is an adventure park that offers two scenic zipline courses as well as guided kayak tours and other activities (axe throwing, UTV rides, hiking trails and food trucks). These activities are listed as accessible for many, and the owners encourage people to call and see how they can help accommodate.
If You Go
Need a list of accessible locations in this itinerary?
For more accessible itineraries in Oregon, visit our main accessibility page.
