Accessible Things To Do

Follow the paved and accessible Willamette River Trail along the beautiful river to a garden of over 4,000 roses and the country's oldest and largest Black Tartarian cherry tree, planted in 1847. Unlike the river trail, the rose garden paths are compacted gravel which make wheelchair and stroller access more challenging but not impossible during wetter months. Free maps available at www.eugene-or.gov/parks.

In Southeast Eugene, this accessible community center offers a variety of children's programs and adult enrichment classes. The main hall (capacity for 90) and meeting room (capacity for 35) are available for hourly event rentals-- ideal for conferences, classroom training or social functions. Amazon Center is in a park setting adjacent Amazon Pool, shaded picnic areas, a children's playground, skateboard park, open fields, a dog park, a grassy knoll amphitheatre, chip trails for jogging along the creek, paved bike paths and the fully-accessible Hilyard Center.

Home to Eugene's Adaptive Recreation Services department this fully accessible community center exceeds ADA requirements. The center offers a variety of adaptive recreational programs for all ages and abilities. Also available for hourly event rental. Facilities include a multi-purpose hall (130 capacity) and meeting room (35 capacity). Enjoy a fireplace and outdoor patio! The center is located at Amazon Park adjacent paved creek side pathways, Amazon Pool's aquatic center, grassy fields, playground, dog park, amphitheater and the Amazon Center. Lift-equipped 15-passenger vans are available.

A challenge course designed to empower individuals to learn, grow, and explore solutions to daily life. Utilizing a variety of high and low elements in a beautiful natural outdoor setting just outside Eugene. Many elements are accessible and adaptable for people with disabilities, and all activities can be adjusted to varying degrees of physical or mental challenge. Part of the City of Eugene parks program and run by trained facilitators. Ideal for personal and professional development. The challenge course can be booked for conferences, team-building and fun learning for all ages.

The University of Oregon is a comprehensive research university providing students a top-quality education in the liberal arts, sciences and professions. The combination of strong academic programs, beautiful setting and moderate size draws an annual enrollment of about 20,000. For information on campus accessibility go to http://aec.uoregon.edu/index.html.

Introduce children to the exciting world of science through hands-on learning, creative problem solving and discovery in a stimulating and fun environment. In addition to field trips, workshops and special events throughout the year, no-school day, spring break, summer and holiday camps are offered. Science Factory education programs are planned by professional staff committed to Science Factory's mission: to engage, excite and inspire children toward a lifelong love of learning about science, technology and humanity.

Oregon's premiere indoor water park offers year-round fun. Surf the waves, enjoy the family play pools and kiddie pool, ride the waterslide, relax in the spa, swim laps and play water basketball. Outside, enjoy a huge playground, picnic areas and even a dog park. Accessible for all abilities.

At RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground children can scale a play replica of Skinner Butte, uncover fossils at an ancient history sand dig and cool off under a giant rain circle. Ramped play structures and paved paths make the play area accessible for children or parents with disabilities. Grassy fields and picnic areas offer fun for the whole family. Follow the paved pathways along the Willamette River to the Owen Memorial Rose Garden. The adjacent Campbell Senior Center has senior programs and event rental space. Free maps available at www.eugene-or.gov/parks.

Overlooking the Dorena Reservoir, this easy paved 15.6 mile (25 km) trail is lovely for hiking, cycling or wheelchairs. It replaces the original tracks of the Oregon Pacific and Eastern Railway, which ran from Cottage Grove to Culp Creek. Several covered bridges and the train bridge in the movie Stand By Me are in the vicinity. Watch for osprey, heron, ducks and bald eagles in the grassy marshes. In the spring look for blue Camas flowers. Start at the convenient trail-head right in Cottage Grove, or park and bike from the scenic Mosby Creek Bridge. Only 20 minutes (by car) south of Eugene.

This 6.9-mile (11.1-km) multi-use path takes you through some of the best birding and wildlife and plant viewing in the Eugene area. Beginning at the Meadowlark Prairie Trailhead on Greenhill Rd, watch for interpretative signage as you head east into the West Eugene Wetlands. Wheelchair accessible. During the wetter months be aware that low lying sections may be prone to flooding.

The Willamette River Trail is over 100 miles (160 km) of paths and multi-use trails bordering the Willamette River and connect to Springfield's 29 miles (46 km) of dedicated bike routes. In Eugene, the 12 mile (19.31 km) section known as the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System runs through many beautiful parks including the Delta Ponds, Skinners, Alton Baker, Whilamut Natural Area and Island Park. Five pedestrian / bike bridges connect both sides of the river. Easy access to Valley River Center and Autzen Stadium. Wheelchair accessible.

Explore a winter wonderland or stay cozy in the lodge at Willamette Pass Ski Resort. During the winters you'll be whisked to the summit on Oregon’s fastest chairlift for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing adventures. During the summer (open June 16), ride scenic gondolas to the top for hiking, mountain biking or just soaking up the view. The gondolas seat four and can accommodate wheelchairs or mountain bikes. Picnic overlooking the ski resort, mountain lakes and distant snowcaps. The view is stunning.

View nature's power and beauty! The paved paths along the McKenzie River are laid out so that it feels as if you are the first one to discover the two magnificent falls as you meander through a tapestry of lush forest. The moderate 3mi (4.8 km) Waterfalls Loop Trail #3507 connects Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Falls drop over 100 feet (30.48 m). Paths and viewpoints are accessible.

Salt Creek Falls Trail #3673 is an easy .5 mile (.8 km) with a wheelchair accessible observation point to view Salt Creek Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Oregon. From the observation point the trail drops steeply into the canyon, ending near the base of the waterfall. Diamond Creek Falls Trail #3598 also starts at the Salt Creek Falls Observation Site.

Offers guided tree climbing in old-growth forests for adventure, personal growth and education. Go where few have gone before! Up into the tree canopy for the ultimate in bird, bug and animal watching. Also learn about trees, plant life and the ecosystem while having fun. For families and adults. Accommodations for disabilities, including assistance for wheelchair users. Tree-top overnights available.

Towering trees looming through a coastal fog. Frothy surf crashing upon jagged shores. Majestic headlands offering clear views for miles. Located two miles (3.22 km) south of Yachats, this coastal wonderland - where the forest meets the sea - captivates locals and visitors alike. One of the gems of the Siuslaw National Forest, it offers wide panoramic views. Hike several trails to tide pools along the shoreline. The viewpoint at Devils Churn, Cape Overlook and its half mile loop to the West shelter, as well as the visitor's center (between mileposts 168 and 169), are all wheelchair accessible.

Part of the Siuslaw National Forest, the Oregon Dunes cover 40 miles along the coast, North America's largest coastal dunes. Recreational opportunities include quiet nature trails through vegetation teeming with wildlife, birding, beachcombing, fishing, sandboarding or sand sledding, stargazing and camping. There are many ways to explore this dramatic natural wonder including on foot, by air or in an off-highway vehicle (OHV). Dune buggies are great for all ages and mobilities as rides can be mild to wild. Lagoon, Taylor Dune Trail and Oregon Dunes Day Use are accessible by wheelchair.

Historic Old Town Florence offers boutique shops and restaurants overlooking the docks along the Siuslaw River. Watch boats come and go, listen to harbor seals barking and see crabbers cooking up their catch. A seasonal outdoor farmers market adds to the festive feel of this quaint section of town. Its easy to tour by car, as the bulk of old town runs along one central street. Anchored by two museums and many historic buildings, enjoy hours of shopping and exploring. A great spot to stop for lunch.