Small Towns – Washington

Population 203
Located near North Cascades National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-washington-national-parks-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/), Marblemount is a good place to stop on a Washington state road trip. And since there are no hotels in the park, it’s also a good place to spend the night. The Buffalo Run Inn has a wheelchair accessible room that’s furnished with a queen-sized bed, and includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And although there is a two-inch lip on the shower, because of the placement of the built-in shower bench, it’s still possible to transfer. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the accessible trails in the park near Newhalem. Top picks include the Sterling Munro Boardwalk (.5 mile), To Know a Tree Nature Trail (.5 mile) and the Trail of the Cedars (.3 mile). And don’t miss one of Marblemount’s most unusual attractions — the Wildwood Chapel. This tiny chapel seats just nine people, and it’s a scenic photo op.

Population 2
Greenwater is a good place to stop and spend a few nights, if you want to explore the northeast section of Mount Rainier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-washington-national-parks-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/).  It’s just 18 miles to the White River Entrance, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous drive. And although accessible lodging options are slim in this neck of the woods, Alta Crystal Resort (www.altacrystalresort.com) recently added an accessible cabin. Accessible parking is located in front of the cabin, with ramp access up to the front door. Inside there’s good pathway access around the great room, which is furnished with a king-sized bed and a sleeper sofa. There’s a fully equipped kitchen on one side of the great room, and barrier-free access to the bathroom, which features a large tiled roll-in shower, with two showerheads. And the back deck is the perfect place to relax, as it’s literally surrounded by the forest.

Population 29
Elbe makes a good stop on the way to Mount Rainier National Park, as it’s just 13 miles from the Nisqually Entrance. One of the big attractions in town is the Mount Rainier Railroad (https://mtrainierrailroad.com/), which operates excursions to the remote Logging Museum. Located next to the Little White Church — a tiny sanctuary that seats just 46 parishioners — the Elbe Depot features accessible parking with level access to the ticket office. Lift access is available to the first class railcar, which offers table and chair seating. The steam train travels through the forest and gives passengers an excellent view of Mount Rainier — if it’s not obscured by clouds. The Logging Museum is just 35 minutes away, and it includes a number of buildings that were relocated from logging camps. Accessible pathways lead through the camp, and over to a display of historic trains and equipment. And after a short stop, passengers reboard the train and head back to Elbe. It’s a fun excursion, and a must-do for train buffs.