Billed as the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake takes up a fair amount of real estate. Measuring 30 miles long and 16 miles wide, it covers 197 square miles. And although there are a number of campgrounds around the lake, the one at the Big Arm Unit (montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/big-arm-unit–flathead-lake-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=MT&parkId=630110) is particularly attractive. This section, which was name for the large bay that resembles a “big arm,” has just 40 campsites; most of which are located under a mature stand of ponderosa pines.
And then there are the yurts, which are perched on a hillside overlooking the lake. There are three of them, including one that’s ideal for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So pack the car and hit the road to Western Montana, and spend the night in this wheelchair-accessible Flathead Lake yurt.
Wheelchair-Accessible Flathead Lake Yurt
Interior of Yurt at Flathead Lake, Montana
The organization of the campground at the Big Arm Unit allows for maximum privacy for folks in the yurts. Most of the campsites are located along the main park road near the shoreline, while only the yurts and the host sites are located on a small road above the lake. Finding it may be a bit tricky the first time though, because the sign pointing to the yurts is located right after the turn. No problem, just continue down to the general campground, turn around by the restrooms, then hit the turn on your way back. The wheelchair-accessible Swan yurt is the last one on the right.
There’s parking in a level area, with room to deploy a ramp near the yurt, and a level pathway over to the deck. The deck winds around to the front of the yurt, where there’s level access through a wide door. Inside, there’s plenty of room to roll around the yurt, which is furnished with two shelving units, a table with two benches, a bunk bed (the lower bunk is 21 inches high) and a futon. The 19-inch high futon folds down and can accommodate two people, with wheelchair access on one side.
The yurt also includes several electrical outlets, lights, a heater and a fan. And the unit is partially surrounded by trees for privacy, but there’s still a nice view of the lake from the front deck. Add in an accessible vault toilet next door, and you have just about everything you need.
There’s More!
Accessible Yurt at Flathead Lake, Montana
There’s certainly enough room on the deck for a camp chair or two, but there’s also an accessible picnic table right next to the yurt. There’s a raised grill and a fire ring next to it, so bring some s’more makings and you’re good to go.
There’s also a tent pad next to the picnic table. The short pathway to the tent pad has a steep slope, which would be a challenge for many wheelchair-users. That said, it might be a good option for friends or family who don’t need any accessible accommodations.
And of course, you just can’t beat this location, as Flathead Lake is beautiful. You can get a closer look at it from the day-use area, which is near the park entrance. Make a right, just after you pass the entrance kiosk. This road goes all the way to the boat launch, but there’s a nice picnic and viewing area on the right, before you hit the launch.
There’s accessible parking in this lakeshore lot, and a sidewalk that leads over to an accessible vault toilet. There are two accessible picnic table under the pines near the lake, with level access out to them. There’s also a large ramada in this area, and although it does have level access and an accessible picnic table, it’s reserved for groups. And if you happen to be launching a boat, there’s an accessible trailer parking spot right behind the vault toilet. All in all, the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake is a pleasant place for a picnic, or a nice place to take a break, spend the night and and enjoy the view.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users 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
Located on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor State Park (parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-park) features a string of beaches that line the crystal clear mountain lake. Not only is it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, but thanks to a loaner track chair program, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can now explore this scenic Nevada state park.
The Action Trackchair (actiontrackchair.com) available for loan is billed as the “ultimate all terrain wheelchair”. Fitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, it can easily navigate the sandy or even muddy beach terrain with relative ease. And, since this power chair operates with a joystick, it can be operated independently, unlike manual beach wheelchairs.
The Action Trackchair is available for loan on a first-come basis at the park office. Three’s no fee required to use the track chair, but all users must be briefed on the appropriate use of this assistive device and sign a waiver. For more information about the trach chair loaner program, contact the park office at (775) 831-0494.
So get out and enjoy the Lake Tahoe beach independently this summer, and borrow a track chair at Sand Harbor State Park.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, Ridgeway State Park (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/ridgway-state-park) is one of Colorado’s often overlooked gems. Located off of Highway 550, about 15 miles south of Montrose, it offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, and borders a five-mile stretch of the Uncompahgre River. And the good news is, thanks to a bevy of accessible trails, a loaner track wheelchair, a water wheelchair and even a wheelchair-accessible paddleboard, it’s now possible to plan a wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park getaway. Top it off with spending a night or two in a wheelchair-accessible yurt, and you have all the ingredients for a perfectly accessible outdoor excursion.
Explore the Forest
One of the largest areas of the park, Dutch Charlie, is the perfect spot to enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Ridgeway State Park visit. It includes the visitor center, several accessible trails, an accessible beach area, and a campground.
There’s accessible parking in front of the visitor center, which is located just off of Highway 550. The visitor center features level access to a variety of interpretive exhibits, a ranger information desk and accessible restrooms.
Overlook Trail at Ridgway State Park
There are two accessible trails near the visitor center. The Overlook is a short 600-foot paved trail that leads over to a vantage point that offers a good view of the Ridgway Reservoir. The Forest Discovery Trail also begins near the visitor center. This .6-mile hard-packed dirt loop is wide and fairly level; however there are some rough spots and ruts along the way. Additionally it can get pretty muddy after a storm, but it’s usually passable in a loaner track chair.
Forest Discovery Trail at Ridgway State Park
Two loaner track chairs are available at the visitor center, however advance reservations are required. Staff members are not allowed to assist with transfers to the track chair; and a park volunteer must accompany all track chair-users on their excursions. The excursions can include the Forest Discovery Trail, as well as several other trails in the park. Track chairs must be reserved at least one week in advance on the park website, or by calling (970) 626-5822. It’s a great way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the park, but plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Bluebird on the Discovery Forest Trail at Ridgway State Park
Hit the Beach
Mobi-mat at Mears Bay BeachBeach at Ridgway State Park
If you prefer the beach to the forest, them head on over to Mear’s Bay, which is just a short drive from the visitor center. There’s accessible parking near the marina, with level access over to the office and the accessible picnic tables on the adjacent deck There’s also ramp access down to the beach, which has a 300-foot Mobi-Mat to the water.
If you’d like to go into the water, a loaner MobiChair is available to use at the Mears Bay swimming beach. This floating wheelchair can travel over the sand or on the Mobi-Mats and go into the water. It is not self propelling, so users need someone to push the MobiChair.
And for more water fun, check out the loaner SOLFiesta wheelchair-accessible paddleboard. This massive paddleboard measures 15 feet six inches long by five feet six inches wide. There are tie-downs for a wheelchair in front, and room for a passenger behind it. And there’s still plenty of room in back for the requisite guide who maneuvers the paddleboard.
There’s no charge to use the Mobi Chair or the accessible paddleboard, but advance reservations are a must. They can be made on the park website or by calling (970) 626-5822. And just like the track chair reservations, they must be made at least a week in advance.
Finally, if you’d like a short walk while you’re in the area, then check out the Mears Bay Trail. This one-mile paved trail has a maximum grade of 4% , and runs alongside the lake. It’s not really too scenic in dry years when the lake is low, but if it’s a normal rainfall year it’s very pleasant.
Spend the Night
Yurt 10 in Dakota Terraces Campground at Ridgway State Park
Top off your wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park adventure with an overnight stay in the park. Book a night or two at the accessible yurt in the Dakota Terraces Campground, which is located midway between Mear’s Bays and the visitor center,
Accessible yurt 10 is located in Loop A of the campground. This round canvas structure offers accessible parking in front, with a paved pathway to the front porch. Access features include a threshold ramp, a wide entrance door, and good pathway access throughout the yurt.
The yurt is furnished with two queen futons (bring your own bedding), a bunk bed and a table and chairs. The kitchenette has a small counter, and it includes a microwave and a refrigerator. And although there isn’t a bathroom in the yurt, it does have electricity, an overhead light and a stove for heat. Outside, there is an accessible picnic table, a grill on a cement pad, and a 15-inch high tent platform.
Inside Yurt 10
An accessible restroom is located next door, with accessible parking in front of the building. Accessible pay showers are available in the camper services building near the beginning of Loop A.
Toilet and Showers in the Camper Services Building
So save the trouble of pitching a tent and give yurting a try for a night – or two – in Ridgway State Park. It’s a comfortable and affordable way to extend your visit to wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Population 4,529
Billed as one of the most beautiful small towns in America, Jim Thorpe was named after the 1953 Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. And although the town does have some access problems, with a shortage of curb-cuts and accessible sidewalks, it’s worth a stop for a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (www.lgsry.com ). There’s accessible parking at the station, with level access to the ticket window. Lift boarding is available for the coach car or the open-air car, and wheelchair-users can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a seat for the 70-minute narrated tour. The train travels into Lehigh Gorge State Park, with plenty of scenic views along the way. And if you’d like a closer look at the scenery after the excursion, there’s a 2.5-mile section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail that’s wheelchair-accessible. This paved multiuse trail runs alongside the river, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall.
Logan is a required stop on any Hocking Hills road trip. It also makes a good home base for the further exploration of the area. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls (innatcedarfalls.com) offers several accessible options, including the secluded Redbud Cabin. This two bedroom cabin includes a ground-floor bathroom with a roll-in shower, and has level access to the spacious back porch. Another Logan favorite — Watersong Woods (www.watersongwoods.com) — offers the accessible Melody Cabin which includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And both places are right around the corner from one of the area’s biggest attractions — Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a lovely park to drive through, especially in the fall. It also boasts a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail to Ash Cave, which winds through the woods and terminates at the misty waterfall. It’s also a nice choice for a picnic, as there are several accessible tables near the trailhead.
Population 1,265
This Brown County town is definitely worth a stop on your next trek through the Hoosier State. Shopping is the number one pastime in the pedestrian friendly village, which features everything from garden shops and boutiques to toy stores, galleries and clothing stores. And the good news is, curb-cuts are ubiquitous and most of the stores have an accessible entrance. If you’d like to get a little exercise, then hop over to Brown County State Park, and enjoy the barrier-free Friends Trail, which winds though a hardwood forest and features a wide paved pathway with a short stretch of boardwalk. For a real treat, make dinner plans at the Artists Colony Inn (www.artistscolonyinn.com), which features level access from the side courtyard. This local favorite is known for crafting creative dishes from fresh ingredients. Jack’s Chicken is a good choice if you’re watching calories, while Lucie’s Pot Pie is the way to go if you just want to throw caution to the wind.
Population 16,850
Located about 30 miles off of Interstate 10, Gulf Shores is worth the short detour for Gulf State Park (www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park) alone. This 6,100-acre state park occupies a prime piece of beach real estate, and offers three two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible cabins on the shore of Lake Shelby. The cabins each includes a full kitchen, a spacious great room, a screen porch, and two bathrooms with a roll-in shower. And the cabins are just a short drive from Gulf Oak Ridge Trail — a 3-mile paved level trail that winds through the woods. Accessible restrooms are located along the trail, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take a break. And don’t forget to visit the Fishing and Education Pier, while you’re in the park. There’s accessible parking close to the pier and barrier-free access to the 1,500 foot-long pier, which features a nice water view, with wayside wildlife exhibits along its length.
Population 1,307
Fanning Springs is a great place to get away from the city. And there’s no better place to stay than in the Fanning Springs State Park (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park) cabins. One two bedroom cabin is wheelchair-accessible, and it includes a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It also has a large wrap around screened porch that’s furnished with a picnic table, a swing, three rocking chairs and a small side table. And for added comfort on warm evenings, it’s also equipped with ceiling fans. There’s also an accessible boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp, just a short walk from the cabin. The Palmetto Nature Trail, which winds through the forest, may also be doable for some wheelchair-users. And don’t’ miss the 32-mile Nature Coast Trail, which features barrier-free access along its length, with a trailhead just across the street for the state park.
Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
There’s good news for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in Michigan — loaner track chairs are now available at many state park and recreation areas. Track chairs allow people with reduced mobility the freedom to explore places that are otherwise inaccessible to them. These off road wheelchairs have tank tracks instead of wheels, and can easily navigate over sand, rough surfaces and even snow. They also come with a big price tag; but thanks to a massive fundraising effort, loaner track chairs are now available at many Michigan outdoor spaces
The following organizations were instrumental in making these Michigan track chairs a reality.
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (ghacf.org/)
Where to find Michigan Track Chairs
The loaner track chairs are available at the following Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Each venue has different rules, regulations and hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. And keep in mind that some locations also require reservations to borrow the track chairs.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Bay City State Park
Brighton Recreation Area
Grand Haven State Park
Harrisville State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park
Lake Hudson Recreation Area
Leelanau State Park
Petosky State Park
Wilson State Park
Holland State Park
Ionia Recreation Area
Island Lake Recreation Area
Ludington State Park
Maybury State Park
Muskegon Recreation Area
North Higgins Lake State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Warren Dunes State Park
Waterloo Recreation Area
Wilderness State Park
If you didn’t find your favorite Michigan state park or recreation area on the list, don’t worry as this popular program is constantly expanding. New venues for loaner Michigan track chairs are being added as funding becomes available. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs to check for the latest additions.
‘
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
