Accessible Outdoors & Recreation

Get close to nature! Paved paths and wheelchair-friendly viewing platforms enhance park experiences so that you can venture right to the water's edge to fish or bird watch. Coastal paths, scenic roads and the beauty of Oregon's outdoors await you here.

A person in a dark puffy coat with a wheelchair is on the flat boarded viewing point looking out toward the historic Siuslaw River Bridge. The viewing platform has a thin rail and wire fence allowing optimal viewing with the top rail below the person's sightline. Green rushes and grass fill in the space between the deck and riverside. Sand dunes are in the background.

Siuslaw River Bridge

Go Adventuring

The Hilyard Community Center in Eugene is a leader for inclusive activities through their Adaptive Recreation Services Department. Rent an array of adaptive equipment for outdoor adventures like water skiing or cycling. From dancing to rock climbing to paddling, the Hilyard Community Center offers many enriching physical programs. A variety of field trips take community members and travelers on trips to the Oregon Coast and adaptive skiing excursions in the mountains. Adapted bicycles for touring around town are also available to rent.

A woman seated in a rope sling uses her arms to climb a rope ladder while a team hoists and stabilizes her assent in a team building exercise on the rope challenge course. The ground is chip bark and big green leafy trees are in the background.

Spencer Butte Challenge Course Rope Ladder

Spencer Butte Challenge Course

Designed for inclusive group participation, the Spencer Butte Challenge Course offers an empowering ropes course and team-building arena that can be adapted to a variety of abilities. Work with guides that facilitate collaborative games and movement through low and high elements.

Like to play darts? Now think bigger! Oregon Axe presents target practice with small axes. This indoor lounge is set up with wheelchair accessible throwing lanes. Call for more details.

Soothing Waters

For a soak in a hot springs-fed swimming pool, head to McKenzie River. The Belknap Hot Springs Resort offers day-use access to accessible showers, locker rooms and an outdoor pool that has steps with an handrail into the water.

Splash! at Lively Park has a variety of warm-water, shallow and deep water options ideal for water walking or swimming during independent exercise times (when wave features are off).

Children in clear plastic inner tubes form a circle in the pool. A woman and other children in life jackets play in the water nearby.

Splash! Wave Pool

Oregon Coast Adventure

Historic Old Town Florence sets up a seasonal outdoor market that is easy to explore by wheelchair. Watch or listen to harbor seals congregated along the docks while enjoying clam chowder.

There are several options for getting out to the sand. Rent a beach-access wheelchair with the City of Eugene or David's Chair, take a dune buggy ride (confirm ahead with individual vendors) or simply drive up to the edge of the beach at wayside parks like Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. Stay in a wheelchair accessible yurt at Jessie M. Honeyman State Park.

  • Heceta Beach County Park

Reserve a beach-going wheelchair on Heceta Beach in Florence, OR! A track chair facilitates beach and ocean access for individuals who use a wheelchair. Thanks to the generosity of David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems and a private donor, the use of this track chair is offered…

Cascade Mountain Adventure

Enjoy the view from the wheelchair-accessible observation deck at one of Oregon's tallest waterfalls at Salt Creek Falls. For the adventurous, experienced professionals will assist all abilities with river rafting!

Access Passes & Permits

For easier access to outdoor activities, there are several different federal, state and county programs. Each has different eligibility guidelines and all require application.

Favorite Flat Paths Aug 05
Guides & Lists

Favorite Flat Paths

These mixed-use, flat and well-maintained paths are great for wheelchairs, smooth inline skating, cycling, jogging strollers or gentle walking. Some are paved (and great for everything) and…