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26 ADA-Accessible Elopement Locations in Oregon [Updated for 2023]

bride and groom on beach

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!

bride and groom kissing

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:

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!

bride and groom shoes

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 elopement picnic

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.

bride and groom holding hands

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.

bride and groom in the desert

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
crater lake views

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
crater lake landscape

Contact Info for Crater Lake National Park: 

  • Phone: 541-594-3000
landscape views crater lake

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!

latourell falls elopement
bride and groom at latourell falls

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
bride and groom at bridal veil falls

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
bride and groom at smith rock state park
bride and groom looking at smith rock views

Contact Info for Smith Rock State Park:

  • Phone: 800-551-6949
bride and groom hiking at smith rock

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
bride and groom looking at sparks lake view

Accessible Elopement Locations in Eastern Oregon

14. Painted Cove Trail at the Painted Hills

General Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly*, kid-friendly, stroller-friendly

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
bride and groom at alvord desert and hot springs

17. Wallowa Lake

General Accessibility: Partially-accessible in some areas

Closest Town: LaGrande

Facilities:

  • Accessible restrooms
  • Accessible camping
  • Picnic tables
  • Accessible shower
bride and groom at wallowa lake
bride and groom standing in front of wallowa lake
bride and groom sitting at wallowa lake

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

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:

cannon beach views
bride and groom walking at cannon beach

24. Pacific City

General Accessibility: Flat, paved parking lot at Cape Kiwanda 

Facilities:

bride and groom at pacific city

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
bride and groom picnic at cape perpetua

Recap of Accessible Elopement Locations in Oregon

Wheelchair-Friendly Elopement Locations in Oregon

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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