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.
Dedicated to the rivers and fish of the Methow Valley, Homestream Park is a spot to pause, reflect and observe. And since it’s just off Highway 20, it makes for a good stop. That said, unless you have an accessible parking placard, there’s no vehicle parking in this urban oasis. There’s level access from the accessible parking area over to a covered and uncovered picnic area. And the good news is, both areas have accessible tables.
A short .2-mile trail runs along the river and loops back to the picnic area. And along the way it’s dotted with works by sculptor Smoker Marchand. These sculptures focus on the salmon and the original inhabitants of the Methow Valley. About half of the level hard-packed dirt trail is accessible, and there are several benches to sit down and take a break along the way. After the halfway point there are nine boulders along the trail, which represent the nine dams that the salmon encounter on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Some slow walkers may be able to get around the boulders, but most spaces are too tight for wheelchair-users, so you’ll have to double back. Still it’s a nice spot to stop, enjoy a picnic, and peruse the sculptures.
Created by local artist Barry Stromberger, this giant metal yellowjacket sculpture sits on a 15 foot pole in Twisp Commons Park. What makes it unique is that it was crafted from a 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook that was pulled from the Methow River, in an effort to improve the salmon habitat. Why a yellowjacket? It’s widely believed that the name of the town (Twisp) comes from the Okanagan word txʷəc’p, which supposedly translates to yellowjacket or wasp. And in keeping with the theme, the local high school also has a yellowjacket as a mascot.
There’s accessible parking in front of the Methow Valley Community Center across the parking lot from the sculpture. And if you need local visitor information, there’s ramped access to the building which has a nice selection of Methow Valley brochures and maps in the lobby. It makes a nice quick stop off of Highway 20.
Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 133 miles east of San Francisco, Calaveras County is the perfect spot to slip away for a weekend wine tasting getaway. The pace is slower than some of the more famous California wine regions, and the winemakers are unpretentious and happy to chat about their wines. It’s a relaxing and refreshing experience. And although there’s no shortage of tasting rooms in the area, Ironstone Vineyards tops the list for location, variety and wheelchair access
Ironstone Vineyards
Vineyards at the Ironstone Winery
Getting to Calaveras County is easy. From the Bay Area head east on Interstate 5 to Stockton, then continue east on Highway 4. As you leave the city you’ll feel the stress melt away while you cruise along this country byway. About an hour down the road, just outside of Murphys, make a left on 6 Mile Road. Ironstone Vineyards (www.ironstonevineyards.com) is about three miles down the road — you can’t miss it.
There’s plenty of accessible parking at this popular winery, with level access over to the tasting room. Owned by the Kautz family, this vineyard grows a variety of fruit, including Cabernet Franc, Symphony, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Visitors can choose five tastes from the daily menu, to see what strikes their fancy. There’s also a store, a lakeside park, a museum , and even an amphitheater in the complex. And access is good throughout the complex, with elevator access to all floors, level thresholds and paved pathways.
Estate tours are also available, and most of the stops on this walking tour feature level access. And if you can’t manage the walk, golf cart transportation is also available. Highlights of the tour include the 44-pound gold nugget in the Heritage Museum, the 1,200-pipe organ in the Alhambra Music Room and the spectacular seasonal flower gardens. Ironstone Vineyards is definitely more than just a winery.
Disabled passengers who travel on domestic planes, trains, buses or ferries within Canada may be eligible for free caregiver fares under the One Person One Fare regulation (otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/highlights-one-person-one-fare-policy-decision). This regulation mandates that domestic carriers cannot charge a disabled person for their caregiver’s fare, if that caregiver’s assistance is required during their journey. In 2008 this regulation was challenged in the Supreme Court of Canada, but in the end the rule was upheld. There are of course a few restrictions; so here’s what you need to know to get free caregiver travel under the One Person One Fare regulation.
The Program
One Person One Fare mandates free caregiver travel it you fall under the requirements of the regulation. First off, the passenger needing assistance has to be disabled as defined by the Canada Transportation Act. That definition includes “any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.”
Furthermore, the passenger has to require assistance with their personal care or safety during the flight. This can include assistance with:
Eating
Taking medication
Using the washroom
Orientation or communication
Responding to an emergency
One Person One Fare doe not apply if you just need assistance boarding, help with your luggage or attendant care at your destination. This regulation generally applies to people with severe disabilities who cannot travel alone.
The Process
So how do you get free caregiver travel under the One Person One Fare regulation? First and foremost, check the website of your transportation carrier, as most have detailed instructions on the documentation required for the One Person One Fare exemption. Most carriers have a “fitness to travel” form that needs to be filled out by a physician. This form has detailed questions about your medical condition and limitations. A separate doctors certificate may also be required.
It may take the carrier between 48 and 96 hours to get back to you after you have submitted your forms, And if they have any questions, then the whole process will take even longer. It’s essential to plan ahead and allow adequate time to get the required forms completed and signed.
Granted, the first time that you fill out the documents is time intensive, but the good news is, that you don’t have to do it for every trip. Ask your carrier to keep a copy of the documentation on file, and save a copy for yourself, just in case. The documentation is good for three years, so it you travel with the same carrier you won’t have to resubmit it during that time.
One Person One Fare helps more folks get out and travel domestically. So the next time you travel within Canada, don’t forget to make advance plans for your free caregiver travel under this program. It may take a little extra planning, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located near the Intersection of Interstate 84 and Highway 97 in rural Washington, Maryhill State Park makes a great rest stop on any Columbia River road trip. With great views of the majestic river, this 81-acre park offers a nice selection of picnic sites, as well as a variety of overnight camping options. Granted it’s a great choice for a quick hop-off-the-highway lunch break, but because of its proximity to some unique roadside attractions, this Southern Washington gem is also an optimal pick for an overnight stay. So hop off the Interstate on your next Columbia River road trip, and stay a spell at Maryhill State Park (parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/maryhill-state-park).
Eat and Sleep
Maryhill State Park has both RV sites and tent sites, with good access in both. Tent Sites 52 and 53 are accessible, and they are located near the accessible restroom and shower house. Both sites have accessible van parking, a level tent site, an accessible picnic table and a raised grill. There’s also a paved path from each site to the restroom, which includes a large accessible stall with grab bars. Each side also has a roomy compartment with a roll-in shower with with grab bars, a lowered showerhead and a fold-down shower seat. Best of all, the showers are free.
Tent Camping Site 53 at Maryhill State Park, Washington
The accessible RV site (51) is located near the day use area. It has a paved driveway, an accessible picnic table, and a standard grill. It’s a short walk away from the accessible restroom, but not as close as the tent sites. This site was an addition to the property and it sits outside of the RV loop, and on the plus side it doesn’t neighbor any other RV sites. All of the accessible sites in the park require proof of disability — such as an accessible parking placard — in order to occupy them. It should also be noted, that there’s some freeway noise and train noise in this park.
There’s also a nice picnic area in the park, with a Columbia River view. There’s accessible parking near the accessible restrooms. It’s about a 30-foot roll over a level grassy patch out to the closest picnic table. Although it’s a standard table on a cement pad, there’s room for a wheelchair at the end. It’s a pleasant place to stop for lunch on the road.
Art Appreciation 101
The Maryhill Museum of Art
If you’re spending the night at the park, be sure and plan a visit to the Maryhill Museum of Art (www.maryhillmuseum.org), which is just up the road. The museum building was originally the home of Sam Hill. Hill’s goal was to establish a Quaker community — named after his daughter Mary — on his land; however due to a lack of irrigation it never came to fruition. He later donated his home, which subsequently became the Maryhill Museum of Art. It was dedicated by Hill’s friend Queen Marie of Romania in 1926.
There’s accessible parking in front, with a long ramp up to the museum entrance. If the slope and length of the ramp are too much for you, there’s an accessible entrance on the lower level on the left side of the building. Just follow the sidewalk around to the door, and ring the bell. Inside there’s good pathway access throughout the museum, elevator access to all levels and accessible restrooms on the ground level and lower level.
Variety is the key word at this museum, which also offers some interesting visiting exhibitions. Don’t miss the Queen Marie of Romania gallery near the entrance, which includes the gown she wore to the coronation of Nicholas II in 1896. The ground level features a substantial collection of indigenous peoples artifacts, including an extensive basket display. And in contrast, the opposite wing offers and equally diverse Rodin exhibition. Round things out with a display of over 80 chess sets and related works of art, and the contemporary Stevenson Wing that’s lined with windows, for the full Maryhill Museum of Art experience. And don’t forget to take a stroll along the accessible paths outside, to take in some of the garden sculptures and enjoy a Columbia River view.
Rodin Sketch of Cambodian Dancer at the Maryhill Museum
A Little Vino
Bistro at the Maryhill Winery
When it’s time for a break, be sure and stop in at the Maryhill Winery (www.maryhillwinery.com), which is just a mile west of the museum. Established in 1999 by Craig and Vicki Leuthold, Maryhill Winery is one of the largest wineries in Washington state. Their first vintage was released in 2001, and since then they’ve garnered over 4,000 awards. They are known for their Washington state varietals, but they also produce some equally impressive blends.
And you just can’t beat their location, high above the Columbia River. Accessible parking is available right next to the entrance. You have two choices here — you can have a bite to eat in the bistro, or you can do a tasting flight in the bistro or the tasting room. Personally I recommend lunch in the bistro, followed by a tasting flight. The menu includes sharable snacks, sandwiches, salads and pizza, and you just can’t beat the Columbia River view.
That said, there’s also level access to the adjacent tasting room, with several lowered tables located near the windows. If Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, it’s another way to snag a great river view while tasting the wines. And with an accessible restroom just around the corner, you have everything you need at Maryhill Winery.
A Historic Museum
The Presby Museum in Goldendale, Washington
For a different view of the area, head north on Highway 94 and stop in at the historic Presby Museum (www.presbymuseum.com) in Goldendale. Located on the corner of Broadway and Grant, this spacious home was built by Winthrop B. Presby in 1902. He lived there with his second wife Zoe from 1903 to 1915. After that the mansion served as a boarding house for teachers and railway workers, before it was sold to the Klickitat County Historical Society in 1962. Today it’s home to the Presby Museum, where visitors can step back in time and get a taste of yesteryear.
There’s accessible parking to the right of the museum, in the driveway between the museum and the Carriage House. And although steps grace the front facade there’s a wheelchair lift on the side of the house. The first floor of the home is wheelchair-accessible, but the second and third floors can only be accessed by stairs. That said, some of the most interesting pieces are on the first floor.
A larger-than-life pump organ dominates the parlor, which also includes a Victrola and a pianola (a type of player piano). Across the way Mr. Presby’s office includes some interesting artifacts, including a clock from the 1800s and some period law books. The only original piece of furniture — a sideboard hutch — can be found in the dining room. And the kitchen has a gaggle of vintage utensils as well as a wood stove and a washing machine. It’s an interesting peek into the early 1900s.
Finally, the Carriage House and the Annex, have a small one-inch step, and they include everything from a vintage printing press to relics from an old schoolhouse. They’re definitely worth a visit, and if you have questions, just ask the docents.
Don’t Forget Stonehenge
Last but not least, don’t leave the area without a visit to the Maryhill Stonehenge replica (emerginghorizons.com/stonehenge-memorial) down near the Columbia River. At first glance it seems an odd location for this monument, but the reason for the choice was due to misinformation. Sam Hill designed the monument in 1918, as a memorial to local men who perished in the Great War. At that time Hill believed that the original Stonehenge was used as a place for human sacrifices. And he reasoned that the human sacrifices at Stonehenge were not unlike the loss of life in WWI.
And although the replica was designed to look like the original, because of the difference in latitude and different alignment, the Maryhill rendition cannot be used as a astronomical calendar. Still it’s definitely worth a stop, as there’s level access to the entire monument. And like many of the other Maryhill stops, you’ll also get a great Columbia River view from the monument.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Established in Yosemite National Park in the 1930s, the National Park Junior Ranger Program has a long history of introducing kids to the ecology, wildlife and geology in US National Parks. Available at most national lands, the premise is pretty simple. Kids pick up a field manual at the ranger station, complete the age-appropriate activities in it, then return it to the ranger and get a patch, badge or other rewards. And of course, they are also sworn in as a junior ranger.
And although the National Park Junior Ranger Program is targeted at kids between and 5 and 13, it’s also for the young at heart. Truth be told, anyone can take part in this fun and educational program, even if you don’t have any kids in tow. Case and point, is my own up-close-and-personal experience of earning my coveted junior ranger badge in Isle Royale National Park. And to be honest, it was harder than it looked at first.
My National Park Junior Ranger Program Experience
My junior ranger journey began with a happenstance encounter with two ladies who I fondly nicknamed Thelma and Louise, aboard the USS Voyageur in the national park of the same name. Thelma and Louise were about my age and they were having quite the animated conversation about a magazine they were both perusing. Upon closer inspection I saw that the magazine was actually a junior ranger field manual for Voyageurs National Park. I was intrigued, as I always thought that the Junior Ranger program was reserved for kids, so I wandered over and struck up a conversation.
As it turned out Thelma and Louise were visiting national parks across the country and racking up junior ranger badges along the way. And the park rangers absolutely loved it, as the field manual activities and questions make participants — no matter what their age — think and learn about our national parks.
Thelma and Louise were thrilled when they completed their Voyageurs junior ranger field manual, and they were ceremoniously sworn in before the tour boat docked. As Thelma later told me, “I’ve really learned so much doing this, and the questions are not as easy as you might think. You have to pay attention, study the exhibits and listen to the rangers to get the right answers. It’s such a fun way to learn.”
Over the next few days I observed several other adults with junior ranger field manuals in hand, so when we rolled up to Isle Royale National Park I decided to give it a try. To my amazement the ranger at the Houghton Visitor Center didn’t even bat an eye when I requested a junior ranger field manual with nary a kid in tow.
Earning My Junior Ranger Badge
Then the real work began. I opened my field manual, and although there were some easier activities for younger kids, some of the exercises for older kids took some definite critical thinking. For example, I had to learn about the fish in Lake Superior and then name and describe a new species that I was tasked to create. I also had to learn a little about the Native Americans that once inhabited the area, and figure out what natural mineral was abundant on the island. There of course was the requisite maze that tested my knowledge of “leave no trace camping”; and a short quiz to determine what kind of a ranger I would be in real life.
Once I got to the park, I had to go out in search of traces of wildlife, then illustrate my findings and make an educated guess as to what type of animal left the trace evidence. When I returned to the Houghton Visitor Center the ranger checked my work, put on his hat and swore me in as a junior ranger. I then received my junior ranger badge and a super cool moose eraser.
Looking back on my experience, I heartily recommend it for national park visitors of all ages. Even if you don’t go the full nine yards and get the official badges, you’ll still learn a lot about the national parks you visit by completing the activities in the junior ranger field manuals. Best of all, there’s a different junior ranger field manual for every national park, and there’s no cost for the field manual or the badge. And as proven by my recent accomplishment, you really can be a junior ranger at any age.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Covering accessible travel isn’t easy. Charles and I do tons of pre-trip research followed by detailed in-person visits, in order to uncover the wheelchair-accessible gems we share with our readers. It’s not exactly glamorous, but I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and I love it. It’s a process that we’ve honed over the years, and with due diligence it yields impressive results. Such was the case last week when we were checking out some possible new accessible additions to the International Selkirk Loop (https://emerginghorizons.com/the-international-selkirk-loop-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/). And low and behold we discovered wheelchair-accessible Portage Park, a newly constructed stop on this international driving loop.
Located off of Highway 14 on the north shore of the Columbia River, the Wishram Locomotive makes a nice stop in Southwestern Washington. Although there’s signage at the Wishram turnoff, about three miles west of Maryhill Winery, that’s pretty much the last directional beacon you’ll find. Still it’s a fun off-the beaten-path adventure. Just follow Wishram Road as it heads down towards the river, and continue on Main Street when you get to town. Then, just past Bunn Canyon Road, make a left into the train depot parking lot. Basically if you stay away from the “not a through street” signs and head towards the river you’ll be just fine.
There’s accessible parking near the depot entrance, but the locomotive is located in a small park in front of the station. The 1932 Baldwin Locomotive #2507 once pulled the Empire Builder train as it headed from the Pacific Northwest to Chicago. Today it’s housed in a protective enclosure, surrounded by a wrought iron fence. You can still get a good gander it, but the fence stops folks from climbing on and defacing the locomotive. There’s a level sidewalk around the locomotive, and some standard picnic tables in the shade on the nearby grassy area. And although there are no real facilities at this stop, there is an accessible porta potty in the parking lot. As an added bonus, there are great river views on the way to and from Highway 14.
Located on Highway 14 near the town of Lyle in Southwestern Washington, Schreiner Farms is home to a number of exotic animals. Even better, they welcome visitors as long as they abide by a few simple rules. They ask visitors to stay in their own vehicles, remain on the main main road, yield to farm traffic and refrain from smoking and littering. Best of all — there’s no admission charge.
A working cattle ranch, Schreiner Farms also raises a variety of exotic animals. As you cruise along the main ranch road you’ll see enclosures on each side, filled with antelope, emu, ostrich, deer, elk, zebra and llamas. Sometimes the animals get close to the fence, and sometimes they don’t, so sightings are truly the luck of the draw. That said, at the turn-around spot — which is clearly marked — you’ll probably get a good gander of the resident giraffes. Their barn is close to the road and more often than not they hang out there. Either way, this is a great quick road trip stop along Highway 14, as you never know what you’ll see.
Sometimes wheelchairs and Mother Nature just don’t mix. Although access to natural areas has greatly improved over the years, some panoramic views are still out of reach to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Fortunately that’s not the case on the Pend Oreille River in Northeastern Washington. In fact, thanks to the efforts of Seattle City Light and the US Forest Service, there are three well developed wheelchair-accessible Pend Oreille River viewpoints near Metaline Falls. Add in a few short trails, some interpretive exhibits and a nice mix of wildlife, and it’s a great place to slip away and enjoy mother nature for a few hours.
Vista House
Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River Viewed From Vista House
Vista House, which is the first wheelchair-accessible Pend Oreille River view, is located just south of the Nelson-Metaline border crossing along the International Selkirk Loop (emerginghorizons.com/the-international-selkirk-loop-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/). From Highway 31, (the International Selkirk Look) turn west on East Side Road near Crescent Lake. As soon as you turn on to East Side Road you’ll be captivated by the view of Crescent Lake on the left, and as you drive through the forest, you’ll see bits and pieces of it along the way. Continue along the road for about two miles, until you reach Vista House at the end of the line.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in the lot, with barrier-free access to Vista House and the nearby accessible restrooms. Vista House is a small interpretive center that overlooks Boundary Dam. There’s level access to the building, which houses a few exhibits; but to be honest the best views can be had from the outside.
There’s a standard picnic table on the left side of the building, with room at the end for a wheelchair. There are also built-in benches that line the deck area which can be used for a picnic. From the left side of Vista House you’ll get a view of the dam, and if you roll around to the right side of the building you’ll get a nice view of the Pend Oreille River.
There’s also a quarter-mile trail that leads down to a lower viewpoint, but because of the elevation change it’s really not doable for wheelchair-users. Some slow walkers may be able to do it, but take some time to evaluate the slope before you give it a try. Still, the view from top is reason enough to put this stop on your list. Even better — it’s not crowded.
Peewee Falls Overlook
Viewpoint at Peewee Falls
As you head back to Highway 31, be sure and stop at the Peewee Falls Overlook, which is about a mile from Vista House. The turn is well marked, and the dirt road is maintained and doable in a standard vehicle. It may be a bit dusty, but that’s just part of the rustic ambiance.
There’s plenty of accessible parking at the Peewee Falls Overlook in the large paved lot, with barrier-free access to the nearby accessible vault toilets and accessible picnic tables. From the picnic area, a hard-packed dirt trail covered in crushed gravel leads down to the viewpoint.
Peewee Falls cascades down into Boundary Lake, which was formed by the creation of the Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille River. It’s not a massive waterfall — hence the name — but the lake isn’t very crowed and the whole view is rather calming. It’s a pleasant quarter-mile round trip stroll to the viewpoint; and again, this stop is minus the crowds.
Riverside Canyon Overlook
Trail to Riverside Canyon Overlook
Last but not least, save time for a stop at Riverside Canyon Overlook on your Pend Oreille River drive. From Peewee Falls, continue back to Highway 31 and head south. Make a right on Forest Road 172, about five miles down the road. Although it’s hard to spot the street sign, the turn is well marked by a brown “Riverside Canyon Overlook” sign. Continue down the dirt road for another mile and follow the signs to the overlook parking lot.
There’s accessible parking near the accessible vault toilets, and a level path over to the accessible picnic tables. From the picnic area a hard-packed dirt trail covered in crushed gravel leads down to the viewpoint. It’s a .4-mile one-way hike, although you can get a slight glimpse of the view from the half-way point. That said, the best view of the river is from the accessible viewing platform at the end of the trail. Although the trail is accessible it’s not level, and there are several uphill and downhill sections along the way. Still it’s within code, with spaces to rest in between the uphill sections. Additionally, you can get a good view of Hooknose Mountain from the parking lot.
After you’ve had a good dose of Mother Nature along the Pend Oreille River, you can continue on along the International Selkirk Loop, take a hike at the Mill Pond Site, and maybe even stop for a bite to eat in Metaline Falls. There’s really no shortage of accessible choices in this scenic neck of the woods.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
504 Highway 20
