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Wheelchair-Accessible Mesa Verde National Park

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Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park

Although Mesa Verde is now a national park, it was once home to the Ancestral Pueblo people. Today this Southwestern Colorado area boasts the remains of intricately crafted cliff dwellings, pueblos and pithouses that date back to 600 AD. And although there are some access obstacles, it’s still possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore portions of the ancient ruins. So here’s the scoop on how to plan a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde National Park (www.nps.gov/meve) visit.

Explore Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center

The best place to begin your visit is at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, which is located near the park entrance. There’s accessible parking with ramp access up to the visitor center, and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interpretive exhibits, ranger information desk, and book store inside. The building also houses a research center, where visitors can catch a glance at the archaeologists at work through wheelchair-height observation windows. Top it off with a loaner wheelchair, accessible restrooms and an accessible picnic table with a view, and you have everything you need.

After you finish exploring the visitor center, grab a map and follow Mesa Top Ruins Road towards the high point in the park — Park Point. This scenic route winds across the mesa and offers several excellent photo stops along the way; but the most accessible choice is Montezuma Valley Overlook. Not only does this stop offer a superb valley view, but it also has an accessible picnic table and vault toilet.

Another must see are the Far View Sites, which are located a few miles south of Far View Lodge. At one time this area housed as many as 50 villages, but today the pueblo-style ruins includes Far View House, four other villages and a dry reservoir. Unfortunately, uneven terrain hampers wheelchair access to all of the ruins, but Far View House is doable for most folks.

You can also get a good view of Pipe Shrine House in the distance from the far corner of the site. Some slow walkers may also be able to access the entire 3/4-mile dirt loop trail that begins at the far corner of this site. The trail is fairly level, but it has some gravel, rocks and uneven spots along the way.

Visit Chapin Mesa Headquarters

Next up on your wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit is Chapin Mesa Headquarters. From the Far View Sites, continue along Chapin Mesa Road and turn right at the stop sign. Chapin Mesa Headquarters has a large variety of services, including a museum, restrooms, ranger information, gift shops, a restaurant, a picnic area and some great views. The most convenient accessible parking is located in the main parking lot, across the street from the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.

From the parking lot, there’s an accessible pathway to the front door of the museum, which is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the National Park Service. And thanks to a multi-year renovation project, there’s wheelchair-access to the lobby, the bookstore, the auditorium and the galleries. Not only did the renovation provide improve physical access, but the historic structure was also preserved during the process.

Formerly the exhibits in this museum focused on the story of the park entirely from a 20th century archeological perspective. The new exhibits, which were designed in collaboration with the Colorado Museum of Natural History, offer an added perspective from the Native communities, who consider Mesa Verde a sacred place. It’s an excellent museum, and a must-see on any visit.

Save some time for a glance at Spruce Tree House, the third-largest cliff dwelling in the park. Although it’s not accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, you can still get a good view of it from the back deck of the Chief Ranger’s Office. There’s a wheelchair-accessible pathway from the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, and plenty of room for large wheelchairs and scooters on the deck. As an added bonus, occasional ranger programs are also held there.

Drive the Mesa Top Loop

Sun Temple at Mesa Verde National Park

Although there are two scenic mesa drives, the Mesa Top Loop is the the best choice for a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit. This scenic six-mile drive features a variety of archeological sites grouped in chronological order, and offers a good representation of the variety of housing styles used by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

The first stop along the drive is the Pithouse site, which features one of the oldest permanent structures on the mesa. There’s a level pathway out to a covered structure which protects the excavated pithouses. These semi-subterranean structures, which date back to 600 AD, took advantage of the earth’s natural insulation.

The Pithouses & Pueblos site, which dates back to 700 AD to 950 AD is also a recommended stop. A short .2-mile loop trail leads out to the ruins, which includes standard pithouses as well as masonry structures. There’s level access to both structures, with plenty of room for wheelchairs inside. This stop offers a good overview of how the shelter styles evolved over a few hundred years.

The Mesa Top Sites, which date back to 900 AD are just up the road. A .1-mile trail leads out to the ruins, which was home to three different villages  that were were built on top of one another. The three circular towers, which are the most intact features, were part of the last village built on the site in 1075 AD.

Make a quick stop at Sun Temple, and follow the paved path to the ruins, but don’t miss Cliff Palace View, near the end of the drive. There’s a paved path out to a lowered viewing scope, which offers an excellent view of Cliff Palace in the distance. And if you can’t manage the short walk, there’s also a good view of the cliff dwelling from the parking area.

Spend the Night

A great way to top off a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit is to spend the night in the park. Of course you can always camp out at Morefield Campground, but if you’d prefer a few more creature comforts, then Far View Lodge (www.visitmesaverde.com) is the perfect choice. Located about a mile north of the Far View Sites, this 150-room property features good wheelchair access and great views of the surrounding countryside.

There’s accessible parking near the main lodge building, with level access to the lobby. From there is just a short drive to accessible room 159. The room includes a threshold ramp, wide doorways, a lowered clothing rod and good pathway access. Decorated in a decidedly western theme, it’s furnished with a 22-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a chest of drawers, a desk and a refrigerator.

The spacious bathroom is equipped with a three-foot-square transfer-type shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a handheld showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there is a roll-under sink just outside the bathroom. The room is very nicely done, and they even remembered to lower the towel bars.

On of the best features of this room is the private balcony, which offers level access and plenty of room for a wheelchair. Even if it’s too cold to sit outside, you can still enjoy the view from the large picture window. And since there’s no television in the room, you can occupy your time by star gazing and enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer — and that’s reason enough make Far View Lodge your home base in Mesa Verde National Park.

 

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An Inside Look at Folsom Prison

An Inside Look at Folsom Prison

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Entrance to Folsom Prison

Driving along Prison Road the sight of the massive granite walls of Folsom State Prison are unmistakable, as you approach the nation’s first maximum-security prison. Interestingly enough, the granite for the walls was quarried by the prisoners, and the imposing structure was later built by inmates back in the early 1900s. That’s just one of the fun facts you’ll learn on a visit to the Folsom Prison Museum (www.bighouseprisonmuseum.org).

To be honest, visiting the museum is a tad bit intimidating, as it’s located just inside the prison grounds. That said, I timidly approached the guard after following the “museum” signs that led to the prison entrance, and hesitantly stammered, “I’m looking for the museum”. I heaved a giant sigh of relief when the guard cracked a smile and enthusiastically directed me to the museum entrance, located just beyond the checkpoint.

Accessible parking is located across the street from the checkpoint, and there’s a level pathway over to the ramped museum. Inside, quarters are a bit tight in the historic structure, however there’s still room enough to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits. The tiny restroom is not accessible — so plan ahead — and there’s about a half-inch step down to the Johnny Cash room, but again it’s all quite manageable.

The Folsom Prison Museum

Folsom Prison Museum

Operated by retired correctional officers, the museum features an impressive collection of weapons, shackles and confiscated items. Highlights include a hand-crank Gatling gun, a substantial number of inmate-crafted firearms, and even a homemade bomb. Add in some old gas masks, an operating table and Rick James’ guitar, and you have a very eclectic collection. There’s also a sizable display of things made from everyday items by the inmates, including a purse made from potato chip bags, a Ferris wheel crafted from a quarter-million toothpicks, a hangman’s noose made from toilet tissue and a number of creative soap bar carvings. A large collection of California license plates also adorn one wall in this room, just to remind folks where they are all manufactured today.

There’s also a room devoted to Johnny Cash, who visited the prison and recorded a live album there in 1968. There’s a load of photographs of Cash and his wife at the prison, along with his own “gag” mug shot and even some stationary from the Sacramento hotel where he stayed. It’s definitely a must-see for any Cash fan.

Granted this small museum doesn’t warrant a dedicated trip to Folsom; however if you’re heading to South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, it’s definitely worth a stop. Just take the Folsom Boulevard exit, turn left and then make a right on Natoma Street. From there turn left on Prison Road which dead-ends in the visitor parking lot. And when you’re back on your way to Lake Tahoe, take note of the granite mileage markers along the road, as those were also crafted by Folsom Prison inmates.

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Five Filming Locations in Arches National Park

Five Filming Locations in Arches National Park

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Skyline Arch viewed from the Devil’s Garden campground in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is filled to the brim with red rocks, arches and scenic beauty. So it comes as no surprise that it’s a top pick as a Hollywood filming location. The results are some stunning backdrops and jaw-dropping views added to the big screen. And the good news is, many of these sites are pretty easy to find. So take some time to scout out these Hollywood filming locations in Arches National Park on your next visit.

A Little Primer

Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage

Before you visit the park, plan a stop at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage (moabmfwh.com), which is just a short scenic drive down Highway 128 at Red Cliffs Lodge. Not only will it help you appreciate the complexities of filming on location, but it will also give you some fun inside stories on the productions filmed in the area.

There’s accessible parking in front of the lodge, and although the museum is located down a flight of stairs, there’s an alternate accessible entrance. From the accessible parking space, follow the sidewalk on the left, down around the building to the level back entrance. Inside you’ll find a hallway lined with movie posters, with the museum at the end of the hall on the right. There’s level access to the museum, with good pathway access to all the exhibits.

Take some time to watch the introductory video that details the history of filming in the area and includes some fun facts, stories and recollections about the flicks. The museum is jam packed with memorabilia from the over 120 movies shot in the area, including City Slickers II, Back to the Future III, Thelma and Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Don’t miss the Geena Davis stunt dummy that survived the final crash in Thelma and Louise, or the license plate from the Shaguar in Austin Powers Goldmember. Add in a large collection of photographs, movie posters and memorabilia and you have a complete picture of the filming history in the area. And the best part is – there’s no admission charge to this fun and funky museum.

Filming Locations in Arches

Park Avenue Viewpoint

Park Avenue Viewpoint in Arches National Park

Located about two miles from the park entrance, Park Avenue Viewpoint is the first stop on this filming locations in Arches scenic drive. The opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here. Just picture a group of boy scouts — including a youthful Indy –riding their horses through the desert against this magnificent backdrop. There’s accessible parking near the paved 200-foot trail out to the upper viewpoint, where you’ll get a good view of the towering formations that resemble the skyscrapers of Manhattan.

Courthouse Towers

Courthouse Towers in Arches National Park

Just down the road you’ll find Courthouse Towers, the next stop on this Arches filming locations tour. A memorable scene from Thelma & Louse was filmed nearby. It begins as the pair is stopped by a police officer in the middle of nowhere, and concludes when the gals get the officer’s gun and later lock him in the trunk of his car. Just look down the road and try to imagine it all unfolding. There’s accessible parking in the small lot with level access to viewpoints on both sides, so you’ll have a variety of vantage points for a good view.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock in Arches National Park

Balanced Rock, which is located just south of the intersection of Arches National Park Road and The Windows Road, is one of the most popular stops in the park. It was also a filming site for Rio Conchos starring Stuart Whitman and Richard Boone in 1964. The infamous rock can be seen in the background in several scenes, but is most prominent in the camping scene. There’s accessible parking in the small lot near Balanced Rock, with curb-cut access up to the interpretive plaque. From there you’ll get an excellent view of this Arches favorite.

Double Arch

Double Arch in Arches National Park

Located in the Windows Section of the park, Double Arch was another filming site for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Again in the beginning of the movie, River Phoenix runs down the hill in front of the arch, after encountering some grave robbers. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, and the .3-mile trail leads out to this unique arch. It may be doable for some slow walkers and power wheelchair-users, but manual wheelchair-users may require assistance with the first steep grade. And even if you can’t do the trail, you’ll still get a good view of Double Arch from the trailhead.

Devils Garden Trail

Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park

Last but no least on our list of filming locations in Arches is the Devils Garden Trail, which is located at the end of the Arches National Park Road. Although the entire length of this tail is not accessible, the first 100 yards offers some dramatic views for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It was also the filming site for Taza Son of Cochise. More specifically the scene where the US Calvary was ambushed by the Indians was shot here. Just imagine the troops advancing through the fin, only to be cut down in the attack. The first part of this trail is a must-see, as you don’t often find wheelchair-accessible canyon walks.

Insider Tip

In an effort to better manage the crowds at Arches National Park, entrance reservations are required during the peak visitation season. These reservations are not available for purchase at the park entrance. They must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. And even if you have a national park pass you still need an entrance reservation to enter the park between 7AM and 4PM.

That said, the park is absolutely gorgeous in the early morning hours; so if you don’t happen to score an entrance reservation get there before 7AM. As an added bonus, you’re find fewer people there at that hour, and you won’t have to search in vain for parking at the popular stops. For more information about the required entrance reservations, visit emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/.

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Explore Canyons of the Ancients in a Wheelchair

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Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

Located in Southwestern Colorado, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients) is home to a high density of archeological sites filled with well preserved Native American artifacts. Although many sites on the 170,000 acre preserve lack wheelchair access and are located along dirt and gravel roads, it’s still possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore part of this national treasure.

In fact the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/CANM-visitor-center-museum) is home to a substantial collection of artifacts and interpretive exhibits, as well as two excavated pueblos. And not only is it reachable without a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it also boasts excellent wheelchair access. So pack a picnic lunch, hit the road and enjoy a day immersed in the Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Learn About the Ancestral Puebloans

Pit House exhibit in the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is located on Highway 184 in Dolores, which is about 10 miles northeast of Cortez. There’s accessible parking in the large lot, with ramp access up to the museum. A wheelchair is available for loan at the front desk, and there are also wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the building. And although there’s a small admission fee, there’s no charge for folks with an America the Beautiful Access Pass.

There’s level access to the theater, with plenty of room for wheelchairs on the sides. Two films are shown throughout the day. One presents two perspectives of the Four Corners area — from both archaeologists and Native Americans; while the other focuses on how to visit the sites with respect.

The bulk of the exhibits in this excellent archaeological museum focus on the Ancestral Puebloans and the historic cultures of the Four Corners Area. Once called the Anasazi, their civilization flourished for about 700 years and then mysteriously disappeared around the late 1200s. Exhibits include a large collection of baskets, pottery, weapons and knife blades, along with a large model of a two story pithouse. There’s barrier-free access throughout the galleries, and lift access to both levels of the pithouse.

A good chunk of the exhibits are devoted to archeological digs done in the area, and they include descriptions of the work at the sites, and artifacts excavated from them. There are lots of hands-on exhibits about the general work of archaeologists, and displays about how sites are excavated. And there are even real artifacts excavated from Ancestral Puebloan sites that you can pick up and touch. It’s a very comprehensive museum, with excellent wheelchair access.

Visit the Pueblos

The Escalante Pueblo Ruins

In addition to the museum, there are also two pueblos to explore at this site. These multi-room units sometimes had more than one story, and included a subterranean ceremonial chamber, or kiva.

The Dominguez Pueblo is located along an accessible level path, right outside the museum. Although it dates back to 1123, it wasn’t excavated until the 1970s. It’s named for one of a pair of Spanish explorers who discovered other Puebloan ruins in the area. This four-room structure is believed to have been home to two families. A kiva was also discovered during the excavation, however it was later backfilled in order to protect the integrity of that fragile structure.

The Escalante Pueblo is located about a half-mile from the museum, along a paved trail. Although the trail was built to ADA standards, it’s uphill with level stretches to rest along the way. Benches and interpretive plaques dot the trail, and there’s level access to several ramadas which have standard picnic tables near the beginning of the trail. The trail is quite doable for power wheelchair-users, but manual wheelchair-users may need some assistance in a few places. The trail gradually climbs to the top of the hill, and offers some nice views of the countryside along the way.

There are level trails around the Escalante Pueblo, and a number of interpretive plaques offer insight to the former residents. This larger communal dwelling was also excavated in the 1970s, and it contains at least 20 rooms and a kiva. It’s believed to have been constructed in 1129, but it was subsequently occupied by two other groups in 1150 and 1200. There’s level access over to a nearby shade structure, and there’s also an excellent view of the reservoir from this hilltop perch. It’s a great way to end a Canyons of the Ancients visit!

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Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

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Museum of Colorado Prisons

There’s something more than a bit unsettling about visiting a museum that’s located within spitting distance of a territorial prison. Be it the razor wire, the guard towers or the overly secure gates, it just doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Add in some of the grizzly artifacts in the Museum of Colorado Prisons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Museum%20of%20Colorado%20Prisons/255235554627336/), and you’ll get a definite chill up your spine. That said this Canon City favorite is definitely worth a visit, as not only does it present a comprehensive history of the Colorado prison system, but it also manages to inject a bit of humanity into the mix.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons

Located in historic Cell House 4, the museum building once housed female inmates. And although it’s a historic building that dates back to 1935, they’ve done a pretty good job with access. There’s stairway access in front, but there’s a ramped entrance and accessible parking in back. Just ring the buzzer and someone will open the door. To view the downstairs gallery, go out the back entrance and roll around the building on the level sidewalk to the accessible lower front entrance. And while you’re in front, don’t forget to have a look at the vintage gas chamber exhibit.

Gas Chamber at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Upstairs there’s level access down the cellblock corridor, where there are artifacts from the old prison system, vintage prison garb, inmate art, and lots of photos. Some of the cells also contain themed exhibits, and although they may be a bit tight for power wheelchair-users, you can still get a pretty good overview of the exhibits from the hallway. Some of the themed exhibits feature details about escape attempts, behavioral control, executions, and the prison section of the public cemetery known as Woodpecker Hill. There’s also a large collection of contraband, skillfully crafted prison weapons, and more than a few creepy prisoner creations.

Inmate Artwork on display at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Downstairs there’s barrier-free access to most of the former kitchen and dining hall, which is filled with more exhibits. The exception is the small laundry area which has a few steps up; although you can still peer into it. Perhaps the most memorable artifact is the jumpsuit worn by an inmate in the Labor Day 2018 escape, that took place while people were visiting the museum. Imagine looking at a collection of prison weapons, then glancing up to see a prisoner scaling the adjoining prison wall. Fortunately the escapees were caught a few hours later.

Haunted or Haunting?

To be honest, it’s hard to go through this museum without having a chill or two run up your spine. And if you think you may be overreacting or perhaps the victim of an overactive imagination, then think again. The Museum of Colorado Prisons has been singled out as one of the most haunted sites in the state by many paranormal organizations. And in fact ghost hunts and haunted tours are held there throughout the year.

So why is it haunted? Well first off, it’s in close proximity to an active prison that dates back to 1871, where torture, floggings and other brutal practices were commonplace. And then there were the executions, which were far from humane. Take the automatic hangman for example. This tool was designed to relieve the guards of guilt from pulling the trap door lever at hangings. Instead, the device was activated when the prisoner stepped on the platform, and a weight slowly triggered the mechanism that controlled the trap door.

And of course there’s no shortage of weapons on display in the museum, many of which were possibly used to brutally end a person’s life – be it an inmate or a guard.

Is the Museum of Colorado Prisons haunted or just haunting? Who knows; but as one museum employee shared, “I’m sure there are some spirits here. I often hear noises, footsteps and sometimes whistling when I’m here alone. And I know I’m not imagining that.“ Either way, this often overlooked attraction is definitely worth a stop. Is it really haunted? Judge for yourself on your next Canon City visit.

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Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

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Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Dalles, the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center (gorgediscovery.org) is a must-stop on any Northern Oregon road trip. If you’re already on the historic highway, just follow Taylor Franz Road and Discover Drive to the museum; and if you’re on Interstate 84, then take exit 82 and follow the signs. Either way it’s easy to find.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, which is located in an award-winning 48,200 square-foot building, serves to create appreciation for the Columbia River Gorge through the interpretation of cultural and natural resources. To that end it presents a comprehensive history of the area, offers daily raptor shows and has a wheelchair-accessible trail that’s filled with native plants and exhibits. And it’s also the starting point of the accessible Riverside Trail. It’s a great primer for any Columbia River Gorge trip, and a must do on a Historic Columbia River Highway excursion.

Discover the Gorge

Access is good at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, with plenty of accessible parking, level access to the front door; and ample room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. There’s elevator access to the second floor, and accessible restrooms are located near the boardroom. And if you’d like to bring along lunch, there’s a picnic area with accessible tables in back.

There’s good pathway access throughout the Discovery Center, which focuses on the history of the the gorge from the ice age to present day. Exhibits include displays about the geology of the gorge, Lewis & Clark, gorge ecology, the Oregon Trail and transportation. There are a number of interactive and tactile exhibits, and the whole museum offers a comprehensive look at the Columbia River Gorge.

And don’t miss the live raptor presentations that are held in the theater. These educational seminars are included with admission and in addition to having a raptor — or two — present, they also offer a good overview of raptor habits, behavior and habitat. And there’s barrier-free access to the theater, with plenty of room for wheelchairs in the front and on the sides. Check the theater schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss this educational and entertaining presentation.

A Little History

Display inside the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

The Wasco County Historical Museum, which is located in the east wing, also has excellent wheelchair access. Established in 1854, Wasco County is home to portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail and the Oregon Trail; while Native Americans, missionaries, pioneers and folks looking to strike it rich in the gold rush also inhabited the area over the years. And the museum offers a wide variety of displays on the diverse history of the area.

There’s plenty of room for a wheelchair to maneuver around the exhibits about the early inhabitants, shipwrecks on the Columbia River, the former cannery, a rail depot and the old Umatilla House hotel. And there’s even a turn-of the-century street scene of Dalles. Round it out with a agriculture exhibit and a gallery filled with George Lawrence Company saddles, and you get a pretty good picture of the early settlers of Wasco County.

Take a Hike

Along the Native Plant Walk outside the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

Finally, save some time to explore the outdoor areas of the museum. There’s level access out the back door to the paved Native Plant Walk. Make a left as you exit the museum and head all the way to the end of the trail to the Columbia River scenic overlook, where’ you’ll get a good view of the river with the Klickitat Hills in the background.

Next head back to the museum — past some evidence of beaver activity — to the Native American petroglyph rock art near the back door. The remainder of the trail winds past Olney’s cabin, Crate’s Cabin and a tepee, and includes over 40 identified plants. Pick up a guide at the front desk and see how many you can find. The whole trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible.

And near the end of the Native Plant Walk, you’ll find the beginning on the Riverfront Trail. This wide paved trail winds along the southern bank of the Columbia River, from the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center to the Dalles Dam Visitor Center. The trail is an excellent option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers; and the great part is, you can do as little or as much of it as you want. That said, even if time is short, try to fit in a short stint along this scenic thoroughfare. It’s the perfect way to top off a visit to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center.

 

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