Candy B. Harrington

About Candy B. Harrington

As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.

Posts by Candy :

Destination

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

Candy B. Harrington big trees, California, camping cabin, Orick, Prairie Creek, redwoods, state park, track chair, wheelchair June 1, 2026

Revelation Trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Located 50 miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415) features one of California’s last stands of old growth redwoods. And although there are several accessible trails through the grove, the recent acquisition of a track chair makes it easier for everyone to get up-close-and-personal to these majestic beauties. This lush state park makes a great day trip; however if you’d like to linger on a bit, there are also wheelchair-accessible camping cabins in the park. Either way, it’s a relaxing, refreshing and remote getaway.

Drive Through the Redwoods

Although a hike through the redwoods is grand, the drive to the park on Newton B. Drury Parkway is equally appealing. You can access the parkway from Highway 101, six miles north of Orick or four miles south of Klamath – just watch for the signs. This is probably the top scenic drive in the park. It’s about 10 miles long and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the whole thing. This two-lane road winds through an old growth redwood forest, with a number of pullouts along the way.

Be sure and stop at the Big Tree Wayside, which is on the right, just north of Cal Barrel Road. There are accessible parking spaces and vault toilets near this wayside exhibit, and a 100-yard paved level path to the tree. Even better, there’s ramp access up to this 304-foot giant, which towers over the surrounding forest. Even if you can’t walk or roll very far, you’ll still be able to experience this exhibit.

The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is located about a mile south of the Big Tree Wayside. There’s accessible parking nearby, and level access to this small park office. Inside you can pick up a map, get your questions answered and buy a souvenir

The .7-mile Redwood Access Trail begins at the visitor center and winds through the redwood grove and the day use area. Along the way the accessible Revelation Trail branches off the Redwood Access Trail and then reconnects to it about .3-miles down the road.

The Elk Meadow Picnic Area, which is located near the end of the Redwood Access Trail makes a good lunch stop. There’s level access to accessible picnic tables on a level grassy area, and accessible restrooms are located nearby. As an added bonus, elk are known to visit the meadow across from the picnic area, so keep your eyes peeled.

Spend the Night

If you’d like to spend a night or two in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, there are four accessible camping cabins in Elk Prairie Campground. Cabins 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all grouped together and they each have accessible parking with ramp access up to the front porch.

Each cabin can sleep six, with two bunk beds which have a single bunk on the top and a double bunk on the bottom. There are no mattress pads on the beds, so it’s best to bring foam padding or an air mattress. Guests also need to bring their own bedding, as it’s not provided. There’s also space outside for a small tent that can accommodate two more guests. Other cabin features include a small counter, electricity, lights and a heater. And there’s a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and a bear box outside in a level area.

There’s no water in the cabins, but there’s a paved path to a showerhouse with accessible family shower rooms. These shower rooms include a toilet with grab bars, a roll-under sink with an angled mirror, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold down shower bench. There’s also a full five-foot turning radius in these spacious units.

Family shower room near the accessible cabins

And since the cabins are just across the street from the meadow frequented by the Roosevelt elk, they also offer a prime elk viewing location. It’s a relaxing and accessible spot to spend a night or two.

Destination

Spend the Night in This Wheelchair-Accessible Lakeside Yurt

Candy B. Harrington campground, East Canyon, lakeside, lodging, peaceful, state park, Utah, wheelchair, yurt May 31, 2026

The Wells Yurt in East Canyon State Park, Utah

Located in Northeastern Utah, East Canyon State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/) is the perfect place to take a quiet break, and enjoy a scenic overnight stay in a wheelchair-accessible lakeside yurt. Perched on the hillside, the yurt village overlooks the reservoir, and offers visitors a scenic and serene place to spend the night.

Spend The Night

Inside the Wells Yurt in East Canyon State Park, Utah

Accessible parking is located next to the Wells yurt, with ramp access up to the spacious deck. The wide front door features level access, and there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair inside the yurt.

Furnishings include two Adirondack chairs, a futon, a coffee table, and a bunk bed with a double on the bottom (19 inches high) and a single on the top. There’s also an eight-inch high trundle bed under the bunk. Round it out with electricity and propane heating and you have a very comfortable yurt. Just bring your bedding, towels, cooking gear and food and you’re good to go. And since there are just four yurts in the village, this lakeside yurt is also a peaceful spot to spend the night.

But Wait…There’s More

Deck at the Wells Yurt in East Canyon State Park, Utah

Outside, there’s plenty of room to wheel around the deck, which is furnished with a gas bbq, an accessible picnic table and two benches. And if you’d like to toast a few marshmallows, there’s also a fire ring in a level area near the deck.

The accessible yurt is located next to the bathhouse, which is equipped with a private shower room that’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. A family restroom is located next door, and it features a full five-foot turning radius, toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink. A mirror image family restroom, with toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), is located on the other side of the accessible shower room. It’s a very accessible setup, and usable by folks with a variety of disabilities.

All in all, this wheelchair-accessible lakeside yurt is a great place to rest your head while exploring Northeastern Utah.

Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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Resource

Slough Canyon Nature Center Track Chairs Now Available

Candy B. Harrington all terrain, Burbank, California, fire roads, hikes, nature center, Slough County, Track chairs, trails May 29, 2026

Located in the Southern California Verdugo Mountains, Slough Canyon Nature Center offers loaner track chairs so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can explore the nearby rugged mountain trails. While Southern California has a number of accessible beach programs, this Burbank facility is the first to introduce wheelchair-users to track chair mountain hiking in the area.

The all terrain track chairs are designed to handle the rugged terrain and fire roads in the Slough Canyon Nature Center, They were purchased with funds from community fundraising efforts by Leadership Burbank.

Track chair reservations are available in two-hour time slots, and they must be booked at least 14 days in advance. A companion must accompany the track chair-user, and a trained docent or volunteer will also join the hike. A short safety orientation and a test drive will also be required before hikers can set out on the mountain trails in the track chairs. The track chairs are available to anyone with mobility challenges.

For more information about the Slough Canyon Nature Center Track Chairs, or to make a reservation, visit www.burbankca.gov/web/parks-recreation/adaptive-recreation.

Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book

Resource

Loaner Track Chairs Available at Numerous Oregon Locations

Candy B. Harrington David's Chair, Florence, Gold Beach, loan, Manzanita, Newport, Oregon, Pacific City, Seaside, Tigard, Tillamook, Track chairs, White City May 28, 2026

Thanks to the work of David’s Chair, loaner track chairs are now available at a number of Oregon (and Washington) locations. These rugged wheelchairs are outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels and they can easily travel over sand and other obstacles found on inaccessible trails and beaches.

About the Track Chairs

Three types of track chairs are available — standing models, seated models and a youth chair. All have a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. Although the majority of the chairs are available at fixed locations, there are also several several models in the tow-and-go program. This program includes a track chair in a ramped trailer that can be towed by a personal vehicle. Tow vehicles need to have a two-inch ball with a straight four-prong trailer hookup and safety chain hooks.

Advance reservations are required for all loaner track chairs, and a liability waiver must also be signed. Some locations offer limited time slots, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Reservations for fixed location chairs can only be made at davidschair.org/request-fixed-location-chair/, while reservations for tow-and-go track chairs can be made at davidschair.org/request-tow-n-go-chair/.

Track Chair Locations

Fixed Locations

Seaside Elks Lodge #1748
324 Avenue A
Seaside, OR 97138
This seated model can be only used at the beach, which is located 2.5 blocks from the lodge.

Manzanita Visitor Center
30 Laneda Avenue
Manzanita, OR 97130
This seated model can only be used at the the beach off of Laneda Avenue, which is a short roll from the visitor center.

Gold Beach Visitor Center
94080 Shirley Lane
Gold Beach, OR 97444
This seated model can only be used on the beach near the Gold Beach Visitor Center.

Heceta Beach County Park
88466 1st Avenue
Florence, OR 97439
This seated model can only be used on the beach north of Driftwood Shores Resort, which can be accessed by the Heceta Beach access point.

Don and Ann Davis Park
840 West Olive Street
Newport, OR 97565
This seated model can only be used to access the beach near Don and Ann Davis Park.

The Pelican (Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot)
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive
Pacific City, OR 97135
This standing model can only be used to access Pacific City Beach from the nearby parking lot.

Mount Pisgash Arboretum
34901 Frank Parrish Road
Eugene, OR
This seated model can only be used at the Mount Pisgash Arboretum.

Lithia Park Cabin
340 S. Pioneer Street
Ashland, OR
This seated model can only be used in Lithia Park.

Westport by the Sea Condos
1600 W Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
19255 SW Pacific Highway
Sherwood, OR 97140

Happy Camp Hideaways
825 Happy Camp Rd.
Tillamook OR 97141

This chair can only be used on the beach off 825 Happy Camp Road.

St Mary by the Sea Catholic Church
275 S. Pacific St.
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136

This chair can only be used on the beach that can be accessed via the St Mary by the Sea parking lot.

Tow-and-Go Locations

White City
This location has a standing model, a seated model and a youth chair.

Coos Bay
This location has a seated model.

For more information about these programs, visit davidschair.org/.

Destination/ Lodging

Relax and Reflect in Rasar State Park

Candy B. Harrington cabins, Cascades, forest, national park, picnic, River, Skagit, state park, trail, Washington, wheelchair May 27, 2026

Rasar State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/rasar-state-park) offers a peaceful taste of the forest with some great Skagit River views, a few barrier-free hikes, and several wheelchair-accessible deluxe camping cabins. This lush state park is located about 40 miles west of the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center in Newhalem, just off Highway 20. And with a second-growth forest filled with big-leaf maples, Douglas firs and western red cedars, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Stay in Style

If you’d like to spend the night in Rasar State Park, but don’t want to pitch a tent, then check out one of their three wheelchair-accessible deluxe camping cabins. There’s accessible parking in front of the accessible Chinook Cabin, with paved access over to the front porch. Outside there’s an accessible picnic table and a raised grill, and two oversized Adirondack chairs.

The cabin features a level threshold, wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling. There’s a small kitchen counter area, with a few cabinets and a sink, with a dinning table and four chairs next to it. The kitchen includes a microwave, a small refrigerator and a K Cup coffee maker (bring your own K Cups).

This rustic cabin features exposed beams and natural wood, and includes hand crafted log furniture. For sleeping, there’s a 16-inch high futon in the living area and a bunk bed near the bathroom. The bunk bed includes a 16-inch high double on the bottom and a single on the top. There’s a night table next to the bunk beds, and a floor lamp in the living area. Top it off with a roomy closet, overhead lights, heating and a ceiling fan, and you have a pretty comfortable setup.

The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and includes a 36-inch-square transfer-type shower, with a fold-down shower bench, a hand-held showerhead and grab bars. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated) and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink.

The Coho Cabin, which is located next door has the same access features, but if you want more privacy, choose the Skagit Cabin across the road. On the plus side, all of the cabins are surrounded by the lush forest.

Living Area in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park

Bathroom in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park

Bedroom in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park

Take a Hike

Even though it’s fairly small, Rasar State Park offers a varied landscape with several accessible trails. Most of the trails are located in the south area of the park, near the Skagit River. There’s accessible parking near the picnic area, and level access over to the trailheads. There are also accessible picnic tables on the grass, if you’d like to stop for a short lunch break.

The paved Skagit River Access begins near the picnic area, and winds through the meadow out to the river. It’s about a .3-mile jaunt down to the river, and although you can walk a little further on the hard-packed sand beach, the wheelchair-access ends at that point. After that you’ll encounter steps, bumps, rocks, and a significant uphill climb. Still, it’s a nice accessible out-and-back trail to the river.

The Cedar Trail also starts in the picnic area. This hard-packed dirt trail leads through a canopy of trees, before the access ends at the .25-mile point. Still it’s another nice out-and-back walk, and there are a few shaded picnic tables along the way.

Another accessible trail option is located on the north side of the park. This hard-packed dirt trail loops through the second-growth forest, past the cabins and group campsites. This 1.5-mile trail begins across the road from the Chinook Cabin and to the right of the Skagit Cabin, and continues past the group camps and the private lands that border the park. And if you’d like a shorter hike, it’s easy to exit the trail at the halfway point.

Finally, if you’d like to hike through some old growth forest nearby, be sure to check out Rockport State Park and Baker Lake for some accessible options. It’s a great way to extend a Rasar State Park Visit.

Barrier-Free Travel
Washington National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Resource

Traveling to Europe? Get Your Eurokey!

Candy B. Harrington access, accessible, bathroom, Eurokey, Europe, key, RADAR, restroom, toilet, washroom, wheelchair May 25, 2026

If a trip across the pond is in your future, then make sure and get a Eurokey for access to wheelchair-accessible restrooms in many European countries. This universal key provides access to restrooms that have accessible toilets, lifts, and lifting platforms, which are usually locked for safety or maintenance reasons. This key allows travelers with a disability independent access to toilet facilities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and many other European countries.

Like the RADAR Key in the UK (https://emerginghorizons.com/do-i-need-a-radar-toilet-key-for-my-london-trip/), the Eurokey can be purchased by people with a disability who need an accessible restroom. You can order a key online at www.eurokey.ch/en/people-with-disabilities/order-your-eurokey-online.html or shop.cbf-da.de/. In order to purchase a Eurokey you need to upload a “proof of disability document” This can be a disability ID, medical certificate or similar documentation, including an accessible parking placard or any document that states or verifies your disability.

After you receive your key, be sure and download the Eurokey app. This handy resource gives users the locations and detailed information about accessible restrooms that can be accessed with this universal key.

For more information about this program, or details on the key ordering process, email info@eurokey.ch.

Barrier-Free Travel
the Grand Canyon
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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Know Before You Go

National Park Entrance Reservations Required for 2026

Candy B. Harrington Carlsbad Caverns, congestion, entrance, Glacier, Mount Rainier, peak season, reservations, Rocky Mountain, summer, Yosemite May 25, 2026

Because of increased visitation to many popular US National Parks, advance entrance reservations are now required during peak visitation periods. These reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov, or by using the mobile app (https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app) or calling (877) 444-6777. They will not be available for purchase at the parks; and visitors who arrive without national park entrance reservations will be turned away. It’s a good idea to print or save a digital copy of your reservation on your phone, as cell service is not available at many national park entrance stations. A photo ID is also required, and it must match the name on the reservation.

Entrance reservations are not required if you have lodging, camping or tour reservations; however you must show confirmation of those reservations at the park entrance. Entrance reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. And if you don’t have a national park pass, you will still need to pay the entrance fee even if you have an entrance reservation. Questions about the entrance reservations can be directed to the specific national park you intend to visit.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 national park entrance reservations. More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available from the National Parks Service.

Mount Rainier National Park

No entrance reservations will be required for any part of Mount Rainier National Park in 2026.

Yosemite National Park

After a comprehensive review of the 2025 traffic patterns, Yosemite National Park officials announced that there will be no vehicle or day-use reservations required in Yosemite in 2026.

That said, advance planning is still necessary as they also announced that “While a season-long reservation system will not be implemented, the park will continue to utilize strong traffic management strategies to support visitor safety, access, and resource protection. If Yosemite Valley reaches capacity, vehicles will be redirected to other areas of the park, including Wawona, the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point Road.”

In short, just because you get past the entrance gate, doesn’t mean you will be able to access Yosemite Valley. It should be noted that Yosemite Valley is home to the bulk of the popular visitor attractions like Yosemite Falls and the miles of bicycle paths that wind through the valley. So plan to get to Yosemite Valley early to avoid disappointment. Here are some suggestions to beat the crowds and make the most of your Yosemite visit in 2026 (www.emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-yosemite-what-you-need-to-know-for-a-2026-visit/).

And for suggestions on wheelchair-accessible things to do in the park, visit https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travelyosemite-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parksfor-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/#itins.

Visitors with camping or hotel reservations will be allowed access to their accommodations.

For real-time parking updates, text YOSEMITE to 333111. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Acadia National Park

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park from May 20, 2026 to October 25, 2026. This scenic three-mile drive leads up to highest peak in the park. The Island Explorer Bus does not run along this road, so they only way to access it during peak visitation times is by a personal vehicle with the appropriate vehicle reservation. Recreational vehicles, trailers and vehicles over 21 feet long are prohibited along this road.

There are two type of vehicle reservations available – Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations.

Daytime Reservations have a 30-minute entry window, while Sunrise Reservations have a 90-minute entry window. Sunrise times range from from 4:45 AM in mid-June to 6:15 AM in mid-October.

Thirty percent of the Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations will be available for purchase at 10 AM (ET) 90 days prior to the reservation date. The remaining 70 percent of the Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations will be available for purchase at 10 AM (ET) two days prior to the reservation date.

One Daytime Reservation is allowed per day, and one Sunrise Reservation is allowed per seven days.

Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations are priced at $6 each. A park entrance pass is required along with the vehicle reservation. It’s also important to note that vehicle reservations do not guarantee a parking space, and parking is prohibited outside of designated spaces.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park has lifted the timed entry reservation requirement for 2026. That said, when the parking lots fill, they will close their gates for 3-5 hours. Official advice is to arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM for the best shot at snagging a parking space.

Glacier National Park

Vehicle reservations will not be required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026. That said, new parking restrictions are in place for Logan Pass, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle will require advance tickets.

Logan Pass Parking

All private vehicles will only be allowed to park at Logan Pass for a maximum of three hours. Overnight parking will not be permitted, except for visitors with a backcountry permit or for guests of Granite Park Chalet.

Going-to-the-Sun-Road Shuttles

Shuttles to Logan pass are no longer free, and they will not pick up passengers who do not have tickets. Tickets are not available in the park and they must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. All passengers aged two and up will need a ticket in order to board the shuttle. There will be a $1 processing fee for each ticket.

Starting on May 2, 2026 at 8 AM MDT Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle tickets will be available for purchase 60 days in advance at www.recreation.gov. The remaining tickets will be available at 7 PM MDT, for next day entry beginning on June 30, 2026.

West side routes will provide express service to Logan Pass, departing from Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald Lodge with stops at the Loop (in the afternoon) and Logan Pass only. West side shuttles will not make stops at Avalanche in 2026. If you wish to explore the Trail of the Cedars or Avalanche Lake you must have a private vehicle.

The East side routes will provide express service to Logan Pass, departing from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun.

And as in previous years, shuttle riders will be able to transfer between routes at Logan Pass.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are required to have a timed entry permit to enter the park beginning May 22, 2026. There are two Rocky Mountain Entry Permits.

The Timed Entry Permit will allow access to all areas of the park, except the Bear Lake Corridor. It will be valid from 9 AM to 2 PM. It is required until October 12, 2026. All permits will be timed, and will require the permit holder to enter the park within a 2 hour window.

The Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Permit will allow entry to the Bear Lake Corridor, as well as the rest of the park. It will be valid from 5 AM to 6 PM. It is required until October 18, 2026. Once you enter the park, you can stay as long as you like; however if you try to enter the park outside of your two-hour designated entry time (ie: you arrive late), you will be told to turn around and return after 2 PM.

Both entry reservations can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. There is a $2 charge for each reservation. If you plan to visit the park for more than one day, you will need an entry permit for each day.

Reservations for the majority of the permits will be released on 8 AM MDT on the following dates.

May 1, 2026 for permits from May 22 to June 30
June 1, 2026 for permits for the month of July
July 1, 2026 for permits for the month of August
August 1, 2026 for permits for the month of September
September 1, 2026 for permits for the month of October

The remaining entry permits will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. the day before the planned visit.

Carlsbad Caverns

Last but not least on the list of national park entrance reservations is Carlsbad Caverns. Although technically you don’t need a reservation to get in to the park, you do need one if you actually want to see the famous caverns.

Every person — even children — needs a timed ticket to enter the caves. Tickets are good for entrance from the entrance time to the closing time of the caverns (2:30 PM). So for example, if you have an 11:00 reservation, it is good from 11:00 to 2:30.

These tickets are priced at $1 each, and they are available at www.recreation.gov. And again, make sure you print out your tickets or save a screen shot of them, as cell service is spotty in the park. Walk-up tickets are usually available; however they do sell out on busy days, so it’s best to purchase them in advance.

Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and get your national park entrance reservations as soon as you make your travel plans.

Found Animals Foundation from Los Angeles, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Know Before You Go

Flying With a Service Animal? Here’s What You Need to Know

Candy B. Harrington ACAA, airline, Emotional Support Animal, flying, Psychiatric Support Animal, regulations, service animal May 25, 2026

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US airlines are required to accept service animals on all their flights. Additionally, foreign air carriers are required to accept service animals on all flights to and from the US. Psychiatric service animals are treated the same as service animals under the ACAA. And, after the ACAA update in 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals. They are now treated as pets and are subject to pet rules and additional charges. So here’s what you need to know about flying with a service animal.

What is a Service Animal?

Under the law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is trained to do a specific task or tasks for a person with a disability. Miniature horses are no longer accepted under the ACAA. And under no circumstances are US airlines required to accept unusual species, such as snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents and spiders. Foreign carriers, that fly to and from the US are also required to accept dogs as service animals.

Service animals must be at least four months old; and air carriers are not required to accept service animals in training. There are no breed or weight restrictions; and although most passengers only travel with one service animal, two are allowed if they perform different tasks for the passenger. Additionally, airlines cannot restrict the number of service animals on any flight.

What Documentation is Required?

Airlines can require passengers flying with a service animal to submit DOT designed forms that attest to the service animal’s health, behavior and training. Additionally they can require attestation that the service animal will not need to relieve itself, or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner, on flights over eight hours. This documentation must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure; however if you make a last-minute booking it may be submitted at the airport. If you need to submit it at the airport, allow extra time for the process.

Although most airlines process these DOT forms seamlessly on their own websites, a few use third-party vendors to accomplish this task. And although the same 48-hour advance notice is required, sometimes it’s difficult for third-party vendors to process the forms within this time frame. Check the airline website and allow yourself plenty of extra time if they use a third-party vendor.

Airline personnel are also allowed to seek credible verbal assurance from passengers that they have a disability and require a service animal. If the passenger’s disability is not apparent, airline personnel may question the passenger to determine their need for a service animal, even if the animal has a harness, tag or vest. And finally, if the airline refuses to accept an animal as a service animal, they must explain the reason, and provide written documentation of that decision within 10 days.

Additional Documentation Beginning August 1, 2024

Beginning August 1, 2024 any dog entering the US (including service animals) must also meet the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements. All dogs must:

Be at least six months old
Be healthy and disease-free
Have an ISO-compatible microchip
Have a U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form (completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian) or USDA -endorsed export certificate
Have a completed CDC Import Form receipt

Dogs entering the US must receive the rabies vaccine at least 28 days before entry. It’s recommended that handlers carry duplicate copies of all forms, in case border agents need to retain a copy. Additionally, if a dog is deemed to have a contagious disease by border agents, then additional testing, examination and isolation may be required at the owner’s expense.

These requirements are for animals that are visiting or returning from rabies-free countries. There are additional requirements for animals coming from high-risk rabies countries. For more information about the CDC requirements, visit https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/enter-the-us.html.

In the Air

Passengers who fly with service animals are allowed to preboard the aircraft; and the service animal must remain tethered and under the passenger’s control for the entire flight.

Passengers who fly with a service animal are guaranteed bulkhead seating under the ACAA; however they are permitted to sit anywhere on the aircraft, except the emergency exit rows. The service animal must not obstruct the aisle or other areas that must remain clear under FAA safety rules. Additionally, the service animal must fit in the handler’s lap or in their foot space, and it must not encroach on another passengers space. If this is a problem, the airline must allow the handler and the service animal to move to another seat where the animal can be accommodated; however they are not required to upgrade the passenger.

Last but not least, service animals must behave appropriately aboard the aircraft, which is usually not an issue for properly trained service animals. And when the airplane lands, airlines are required to provide service animal relief areas for passengers with a service animal. For more information about the updated ACAA that went into effect in 2021, visit https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382

Other Considerations

Last but not least, it’s important to understand that most foreign countries also have specific health requirements for all animals — including service animals — that enter the country. This is in addition to any DOT requirements for service animals. For example, even though the DOT forms require information about the animal’s rabies vaccination status, an additional health certificate may be required at the port of entry. Every country is different, and these requirements change often. For more information on specific country requirements, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country. Do your research and plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Destination

Visit These Drive-Through Trees on Your Next California Road Trip

Candy B. Harrington California, Chandelier Tree, drive-through, forest, Klamath, Leggett, northern, redwoods, road trip, Shrine Tree May 24, 2026

A California redwoods road trip (emerginghorizons.com/explore-californias-wheelchair-accessible-coastal-redwoods/) is a relaxing and enchanting getaway. And although there’s no shortage of places to hike around these majestic trees, driving through a massive redwood is an entirely different experience. And although it’s not standard forest practice today, at one time drive-through trees were a popular tourist attractions. That said, there are still a few places where you enjoy this kitschy experience; so check out these retro drive-through trees on your next Northern California road trip.

Klamath Tour-Thru Tree

Located a quarter-mile off Highway 101, the Klamath Tour-Thru Tree is easy to find. Just take exit 769 (Tewar Valley), then turn east. The tree is just up the road on the left. Like all the drive-through trees, you pay an entrance fee at the kiosk and then follow the road and drive through the giant tree. It should be noted that it’s a pretty tight fit for most vehicles, as the tree tunnel is just 88 inches wide and 114 inches tall, so remember to turn in your mirrors if possible.

The tree tunnel was completed in 1976, and the massive redwood is estimated to be 785 years old. It’s really a quick trip through the tunnel, but for another perspective on the tree, open your sun roof as you pass through. Additionally, it’s best to hit this drive-through tree early in the morning, as there isn’t much room near the tree and traffic can get pretty congested in the afternoon.

Shrine Tree

The next drive-through tree is located about 120 miles south, along the scenic Avenue of the Giants. Continue south on Highway 101, then take exit 674 in Pepperwood and turn left. Follow this scenic byway through the redwoods until you get to Myers Flat, where you’ll find the Shrine Tree on the right.

Although a tad bit larger than the Klamath Tour-Through Tree, this 3,000 year old redwood has an equally tight 91-inch wide clearance. Unlike the other drive-through trees though, the 175-foot tall Shrine Tree has a natural opening rather than a man-made one. And although the drive through the tree is short but sweet, there are also a few carvings in the park to enjoy, as well as a level picnic area.

Chandelier Tree

The final drive-through tree on the itinerary is located another 50 miles south in the town of Leggett. Follow the Avenue of the Giants until it ends on Highway 101, then continue south to Drive Through Tree Road and follow the signs to the Chandelier Tree (www.drivethrutree.com).

As you approach this giant, the fern lined drive to the 315-foot tall tree is filled with redwood planters. The tunnel was carved in the mid 1930s, and the tree is estimated to be 2,400 years old. It’s the nicest of the three trees, as there’s a large dirt parking area, and also standard picnic tables on a level grassy area. So pack along a picnic to enjoy after your drive-through experience, and enjoy your meal in the shadow of the towering redwood. And truly, if you only have time for one drive-through experience, the Chandelier Tree is the best choice. Not only is there plenty of room near the tree for photos, but there’s also a large area to linger on and enjoy it all.

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West Glacier Cabin Village Offers Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins

Candy B. Harrington cabin, Glacier, lodging, national park, overnight, village, West Glacier, wheelchair May 23, 2026

Located just outside the West Entrance to Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/glacier-national-park/), West Glacier Cabin Village (www.glacierparkcollection.com/lodging/west-glacier-village/ways-to-stay/west-glacier-cabins/) makes the perfect home base for a national park visit. This quiet cabin complex boasts the best of both worlds, as it’s far removed from the hubbub of West Glacier Village, yet it’s within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants. Access wasn’t overlooked in the construction of the units either, as the complex includes two wheelchair-accessible cabins, which makes it an excellent lodging choice for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.

West Glacier Cabin Village

Nestled in a peaceful mountain forest, West Glacier Cabin Village features accessible parking next to the campstore, with level access to the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair over to the cabin check-in counter.

Accessible cabin 103 is located next door. There’s parking in a large level area across from the cabin, and level access over to the cabin. The cabin features ramp access up to a covered front porch that’s furnished with a small table and two chairs. There’s also a propane grill near the cabin.

The cabin features a level threshold, and includes wide doorways, good pathway access and wood floors. The large living area is furnished with a 13-inch high sleeper sofa, a television, and a dining table with four chairs. The cabin also has reliable Wi-Fi, which is a hard-to-find feature in the area.

The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a two burner cooktop, a lowered microwave, and a dishwasher. It also includes an ample selection of dishes, utensils and cookware. And to complete the access equation, the kitchen sink features a kneehole for wheelchair access.

The bedroom, which is located in the back of the unit, is furnished with a 24-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair-access on the right side (as you face it). The bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a padded fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror.

And if cabin 103 is booked, cabin 104 has the same access features. Either unit makes a comfortable, homey and accessible place to stay near Glacier National Park.