Post Summary: Oregon is one of the most stunning, diverse states in the U.S. with PLENTY of incredible ADA-accessible locations where you can enjoy all the beauty around you without a challenging hike. Below are 26 stunning, accessible elopement locations in Oregon to choose from for your big day, whether you need a fully wheelchair-accessible or a partially-accessible trail to take you somewhere beautiful!
Defining the Language Around Accessibility
Before we get into the ADA-accessible & wheelchair-accessible trails in Oregon that you came here for, I want to briefly talk about the importance of using appropriate language when it comes to talking about accessibility, and what certain language you’ll come across actually means.
General accessibility language
First, let’s go through the basic terms & acronyms to familiarize yourself with when it comes to talking about accessibility standards:
- ADA = Americans With Disabilities Act
- A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
- ABA = Architectural Barriers Act
- “Standards issued under this act apply to facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds.”
Accessibility language in U.S. National Parks
Now when you’re reading about accessibility regarding national parks in the United States, it can sometimes get confusing, and resources can often be misleading.
Park websites may describe trails as being “accessible,” only for you to get there and learn that only the first 0.2 miles of the 3-mile trail are paved – meaning yes, technically a part of the trail is accessible, but the entire trail itself isn’t “accessible.” This is why it’s important to do thorough research, because the language around accessibility is fairly confusing and inconsistent across different websites and park services.
“Wheelchair-accessible” doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire trail is accessible to wheelchairs – only parts of it.
If a trail does say it’s “wheelchair-accessible,” make sure you look into what type of wheelchair will be able to go on the trail & its terrain – will you need a motorized wheelchair? Is a manual wheelchair doable? Should you have all-terrain tires?
“Accessible to people with mobility equipment” is another somewhat vague phrase often used on trail websites, so you’ll have to do research into what kinds of mobility equipment will be able to make it through the trail – canes, walkers, motorized equipment, service animals, etc.
The National Park Service (NPS) does a fairly good job of including accessibility information on their website, but the amount available depends on the park.
This webpage has a map of the United States where you can click on a certain national park and be taken to a description of the park’s general accessibility!
Once you know what park you’d like to elope at, and have a trail in mind, be sure to do specific research on that trail, and try to find reviews from real-life people, if you’re able to. That’s the best way to find out what the trail is actually like, especially if recent weather conditions have caused changes in the terrain and the trail site hasn’t been updated!
Beach wheelchairs on the Oregon Coast
One other thing to note for spots on the Oregon Coast is that beach wheelchairs are super helpful to have, as they’re specifically built to navigate the terrain of sandy areas. You can rent these at lots of places along the Oregon Coast – follow the links below to find detailed rental info for different coastal towns depending on where you’ll be eloping!
- Beach Wheelchair Rentals at Cape Kiwanda
- Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Lincoln City
- Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Cannon Beach
- Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Manzanita
- Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Seaside
How to communicate about accessibility needs
It’s also important for you to know how to appropriately ask someone what their accessibility needs are in a respectful, intentional way! You may have a certain trail in mind for your elopement but need to make sure all your guests are able to physically complete the trail, so you’ll need to ask them about their needs.
It’s also important to, if you’re disabled, be able to tell your loved ones what YOUR needs are – e.g. if you’re a guest at an elopement, and the couple didn’t take into account your needs when choosing a ceremony location. If you need to inform someone of your accessibility needs, don’t assume they understand what you need – be honest, specific, and communicate what you need from them.
If you want to ask someone how to support them, don’t assume they’ll come to you – ask them what their specific needs are, and communicate about accessibility locations + info with guests early on. Express your support and make sure they know you want to choose locations that will allow them to celebrate with you comfortably & safely!
Make sure you also ask your disabled friends & family what terminology they prefer when talking about their disability to ensure they feel comfortable, heard, seen, and safe.
5 Tips for Planning an ADA-Accessible Elopement
Get a National Parks Access Pass
This pass is available for FREE for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities, and will give you access to more than 2,000 national recreation sites for life! Take advantage of this for your elopement if you’re able to – you can find out more about getting the Access Pass here.
Elope on a weekday to avoid crowds
Eloping on a weekend in a popular location such as a national park often comes with tons of crowds/tourists around you that are taking up space during your elopement. If you elope on a weekday, you’ll likely have less crowds to deal with, and more room to explore safely + comfortably depending on your needs!
Do careful research ahead of time
Again, it’s super important to do careful research and pay attention to what “accessible” means on certain websites/in certain people’s minds. Check carefully if trails are fully wheelchair-accessible, partially wheelchair-accessible, or if “accessible” just means that they’re accessible to kids/strollers, and not actually disabled people.
Book wheelchair-friendly transportation
Make sure that any mode of transportation you book/plan to use (rental car, limo, van, bus, etc.) are wheelchair-friendly ahead of time!
Book accessible accommodations
Finally, be sure to book an Airbnb/campsite/hotel/lodge that’s accessible to you and will provide the services/facilities you need to be comfortable.
26 ADA-Accessible Trails in Oregon for Elopements
Accessible Elopement Locations in Crater Lake National Park
1. Godfrey Glen Trail
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Chiloquin
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 68 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Packed gravel; at least 6 feet wide
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
- Benches
2. Watchman Peak
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Crescent
Trail Length: 1.7 miles
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Incline: Steep to very steep, 8-12+% grade
Trail Surface/Terrain: Packed gravel; at least 10 feet wide
Facilities:
- Picnic tables
- Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets
- Accessible parking
- Flat, paved viewing area near trailhead
Contact Info for Crater Lake National Park:
- Phone: 541-594-3000
Accessible Elopement Locations in the Columbia River Gorge
3. Latourell Falls
General Accessibility: Kid-friendly, potentially wheelchair-friendly
Closest Town: Corbett (technically in Oregon, but super close to Washington along the Gorge)
Trail Type: Out & back
Trail Surface/Terrain: Dirt
Facilities: Unknown if restrooms are ADA-accessible
Note that this trail is simply a short walk from the parking lot along a dirt path (the trail on the right, not the left), and only takes about 5 minutes. It’s not the full 2.4-mile loop trail, which isn’t accessible at all!
4. Portland Women’s Forum State Overlook at Rooster Rock State Park
General Accessibility: Generally ADA-accessible – no specific info available regarding wheelchair accessibility online
Closest Town: Corbett
Facilities:
- Sitting areas
- Picnic areas
- Paved paths
- Accessible parking
- Accessible visitor center
- Accessible restrooms
5. Vista House
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Closest Town: Corbett
Facilities:
- Wheelchair lift
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible gift shop & café
6. Multnomah Falls
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Closest Town: Corbett
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchairs available for rent
- Ramp up to bridge
7. Bridal Veil Falls
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Corbett
Trail Length: 0.4 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 6 ft
Incline: Gentle (3% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved asphalt; at least 3 feet wide
Facilities:
- Accessible restrooms
Contact Info for Accessibility on the Columbia River Gorge:
- Phone: (509) 664-9200
Accessible Elopement Locations in Portland
8. Hoyt Arboretum
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Portland
Trail Length:
- Overlook Trail: 0.5 miles
- Bristlecone Pine Trail: 0.5 miles
- Visitor Center Loop: 0.1 miles
Incline:
- Overlook Trail: Under 5% grade
- Bristlecone Pine Trail: Under 5% grade
- Visitor Center Loop: Under 5% grade
Trail Surface/Terrain:
- Overlook Trail: Paved asphalt
- Bristlecone Pine Trail: Paved asphalt
- Visitor Center Loop: Paved asphalt
Facilities:
- Benches
- Accessible visitor center
- Accessible picnic tables
Accessible Elopement Locations at Mount St. Helens
Yes, Mount St. Helens is technically in Skamania, WA – but I wanted to include it since it’s super close to Oregon!
9. Meta Lake
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Toutle
Trail Length: 0.6 miles
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 16 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved asphalt, wooden boardwalk with railings; at least 3 feet wide
Facilities:
- Benches
- Accessible parking
10. Eruption Trail
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Morton
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 25 ft
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved
Facilities:
- Accessible restrooms
11. Lava Canyon
General Accessibility: Partially wheelchair-friendly/paved – the first ⅓ mile (lower trail) of the route
Closest Town: Toutle
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
Contact Info for Mount St. Helens:
- Phone: 360-274-0962
Accessible Elopement Locations in Bend
12. Rim Rock Trail at Smith Rock State Park
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Terrebonne
Trail Length: 1 mile
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 22 ft
Incline: Gentle (3% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Packed gravel; at least 5 feet wide
Facilities:
- Accessible restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Accessible parking
Contact Info for Smith Rock State Park:
- Phone: 800-551-6949
13. Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail at Sparks Lake
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Bend
Trail Length: 2.4 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 108 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved asphalt, natural dirt*; at least 4 feet wide
- *Note: All-terrain tires/motorized equipment may be needed for the surface/grade after 0.5 miles
Facilities:
- Benches
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible parking
Accessible Elopement Locations in Eastern Oregon
14. Painted Cove Trail at the Painted Hills
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly*, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
- *Note: The most accessible portion of the trail is the Painted Cove Boardwalk
Closest Town: Mitchell
Trail Length: 0.3 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Wooden boardwalk with edge barriers*, packed dirt; at least 8 feet wide
- *Note: Wheelchair users may need assistance in steeper sections
Facilities:
- Picnic tables
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms
Contact Info for the Painted Hills:
- Phone: 541 987-2333
15. Hells Canyon Overlook
General Accessibility: Fully accessible
Closest Town: Enterprise
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible vault toilets
- Picnic tables
- Accessible pathways
Accessible Elopement Locations in Southern Oregon
16. Alvord Desert & Hot Springs
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Closest Town: Fields
Trail Surface/Terrain: Dried mud*
- *Note: Wheelchair users may need assistance getting onto ramp to the hot springs
Facilities:
- Ramp to get to hot springs from parking lot
17. Wallowa Lake
General Accessibility: Partially-accessible in some areas
Closest Town: LaGrande
Facilities:
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible camping
- Picnic tables
- Accessible shower
Accessible Elopement Locations at Mount Hood
18. Little Zig Zag Falls
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly*, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
- *Note: This trail gets snowy/icy/muddy in the winter and may affect wheelchair accessibility
Closest Town: Government Camp
Trail Length: 0.7 miles
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 114 ft
Incline: Gentle to mostly gentle (3-5% grade)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Packed dirt*, short wooden bridges with edge barriers; at least 3 feet wide
- *Note: Wheelchair users may need assistance crossing bridges and navigating over exposed roots
Facilities:
- Benches
- Picnic tables
- Wheelchair-accessible outhouse
19. Lost Lake
General Accessibility: Partially wheelchair-friendly*, kid-friendly
- *Note: The first 1.2 miles from the parking lot to the bottom of the lake is accessible
Closest Town: Hood River
Trail Length: 3.1 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 177 ft
Trail Surface/Terrain: Wooden path, natural surfaces
20. Trillium Lake Loop
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Government Camp
Trail Length: 1.9 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 26 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Packed gravel, wooden boardwalk with edge barriers*; at least 3 feet wide
- *Note: Wheelchair users may need assistance on narrower sections of wooden boardwalk
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
Contact Info for Mount Hood:
Accessible Elopement Locations on the Oregon Coast
21. Oregon Dunes Loop
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly*, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
- *Note: The most accessible portion of the trail is the first 0.1 miles (the Oregon Dunes Overlook)
Closest Town: Westlake
Trail Length: 4 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 124 ft
Incline: Flat (1% grade or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Paved asphalt*, wooden boardwalk with railings, sand; at least 3 feet wide
- *Note: Wheelchair users may need all-terrain tires/motorized equipment
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
22. Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly
Closest Town: Rockaway Beach
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Trail Type: Out & back
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Incline: Mostly gentle (5% or less)
Trail Surface/Terrain: Wooden boardwalk with edge barriers or railings; at least 6 feet wide
Facilities:
- Wheelchair-accessible outhouse
- Benches
- Picnic tables
23. Cannon Beach
General Accessibility: Multiple wheelchair-accessible spots (such as the Tolovana Wayside beach access point)
Closest Town: Cannon Beach
Facilities:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restrooms
- Wheelchair rentals available
24. Pacific City
General Accessibility: Flat, paved parking lot at Cape Kiwanda
Facilities:
25. Manzanita/Seaside
General Accessibility: Multiple accessible spots throughout the towns
Facilities:
26. Cape Perpetua
General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly
Closest Town: Yachats
Facilities:
- Wheelchair-friendly visitor center + deck
Recap of Accessible Elopement Locations in Oregon
Wheelchair-Friendly Elopement Locations in Oregon
- Godfrey Glen Trail
- Watchman Peak
- Portland Women’s Forum State Overlook at Rooster Rock State Park
- Vista House
- Multnomah Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Meta Lake
- Eruption Trail
- Lava Canyon
- Rim Rock Trail
- Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail at Sparks Lake
- Painted Cove Trail
- Hells Canyon Overlook
- Alvord Desert & Hot Springs
- Wallowa Lake
- Little Zig Zag Falls
- Lost Lake
- Trillium Lake Loop
- Oregon Dunes Loop
- Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead
- Cannon Beach
- Pacific City
- Manzanita/Seaside
- Cape Perpetua
Accessible but Not Wheelchair-Friendly Elopement Locations in Oregon
18 ADA-Accessible Elopement Locations in Washington State
If you’re considering eloping in Washington instead, I’ve got a guide for that, too! Head on over to my guide to 18 ADA-Accessible Elopement Locations in Washington State to check out all of my fav accessible locations in Washington, from spots with gorgeous mountain views to beach access areas to magical rainforest locations!
More Oregon Elopement Information & Resources
If you loooved this article, I’ve got even more where that came from 😉 If you’re working on planning your Oregon adventure elopement, click the links below to find a bunch more helpful info + resources for Oregon elopement planning, including how to get permits, how to elope on the Oregon Coast specifically, and even an in-depth guide to EVERYTHING Oregon elopements!
Complete Guide on How to Elope in Oregon in 2022
Ultimate Guide to Planning an Oregon Coast Elopement
How to Get Permits for Your Oregon Elopement
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