Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park occupies nearly one million acres filled with sub-alpine forests, wildflower-filled meadows, rainforest habitat and a rugged coastal shore. The entire park can be accessed from Highway 101, which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula; and each area of the park features a small visitor center or ranger station which offers exhibits on the local ecosystem and the history of the area.
Insider Tips
Save some time for a soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs when you visit the park. There’s ramp access to the Sol Duc Hot Springs front office, with barrier-free access to the pools in back. The mineral wading pool is reserved for children under three, but the Large Mineral Fountain Pool and the Freshwater Pool feature ramp access. There is also a portable pool lift available for these pools or for the Medium Mineral Pool, which isn’t ramped.
One of the most accessible waterfalls in the park — Madison Falls — is located on Olympic Hot Springs Road, just south of Highway 101. A .1-mile paved level trail leads from the picnic area through the forest to the base of Madison Falls. The overlook features lowered railings for optimal wheelchair viewing, as well as a bench for slow walkers.
For a very comfortable – and romantic – overnight in the park be sure and book a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, which is located on the Pacific Coast. This remote lodge offers an accessible cabin, with a great coastal view, as well as a small restaurant and grocery store. Everything you want and need for a blissful getaway!
Nicknamed the “American Alps”, North Cascades National Park is one of the most rugged and remote national parks in the US. Filled with black bear, mountain goats and bald eagles, the park is also home to a historic hydroelectric dam. That said you just can’t beat the scenery in this northwestern gem, which ranges from jagged mountain peaks, evergreen forests and alpine meadows, to crystal-clear lakes and a collection of formidable glaciers.
Insider Tips
Don’t miss the Gorge Creek Falls Overlook, located along State Route 20, halfway between Newhalem and the Colonial Creek Campground. This unusual overlook features two grated footbridges that are located on each side of the highway, where visitors can look down and get a bird’s eye view of Gorge Creek Falls. Best of all, they are both wheelchair-accessible.
The Happy Creek Forest Walk is a nice accessible trail, although it’s easy to miss the poorly marked turnoff. Start looking for it on the right as you head east on State Route 20, just past milepost 134; and don’t feel bad if you have to make a U-turn up the road and double back. There’s level access over to the .3-mile hard-packed dirt and boardwalk trail that meanders through the fir, cedar and hemlock forest, before it crosses over the cascading waters and loops back to the trailhead. This old growth forest is also a great place to escape the midday heat when the mercury rises.
Located across from the Skagit Visitor Information Center in Newhalem, the Skagit General Store makes an interesting stop. The building dates back to 1922, when the store was established as an employee commissary for the workers on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Today it offers a good variety of general grocery items, snacks, sandwiches and delicious homemade Skagit fudge. It’s also the only place along the State Route 20 section of the park that offers anything to eat.
Located 100 miles southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is situated in one of the most rugged areas of Washington state. At 14,410 feet, the namesake mountain towers over the park; and not only is this active volcano the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US, but it’s also a popular climb, with over 10,000 attempts each year. That said, you can certainly enjoy the park without attempting the summit, as there are also several developed areas that offer accessible trails, museums, campsites and overnight lodging.
Insider Tips
Be sure and stop at Christine Falls, which is located just past Longmire on the left side of the road. It’s easy to miss, and if you take time to admire it from the road, you’ll drive right by the pullout on the right side, which offers the best view of the falls. Unfortunately there are only stairs down to the lower viewing area, but you can still get a nice view of the top part of the 40-foot high waterfall from the 1928 masonry bridge near the pullout.
The most accessible trail in the park – the Kautz Creek Trail – is located across the street from the Kautz Creek Picnic Area. This level boardwalk trail winds through a section of the forest which was devastated by a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and leads out to an overlook that offers an excellent view of Mount Rainier.
A timed entry reservation is required for visits to the Paradise Corridor and the Sunrise Corridor of the park, during the peak summer season. Reservations are released 90 days in advance and are available a www.recreation.gov. Plan ahead, because entry reservations are not available at the park; and if you don’t have one you won’t be admitted. And remember, even if you have a national park pass, you still need an entry permit.
Angels Rest Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse Suite at Skamania Lodge, Oregon
Although Skamania Lodge (https://www.skamania.com/) is just a 45-minute drive from Portland, it’s a world away from the trappings of urban life. Surrounded by towering evergreens, the 175-acre property offers upscale amenities in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Of course the standard lodge rooms and suites at Skamania Lodge are beyond comfortable; however if you want to raise the meter on the exclusivity index, then check-in to their new wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. Located in an private corner of the property, this luxurious tree-level suite offers comfortable furnishings, first-rate-amenities and more than a few little extras. And even though most treehouses aren’t doable for people with mobility issues, this wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite at Skamania Lodge is an excellent lodging choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse
Inside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suiteThere are Lots of Windows in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
The new treehouse suites are located in a quiet corner of the lodge property that’s reserved for treehouse guests. There’s plenty of room to deploy a ramp in the parking space reserved for the Angels Rest (701) wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. From there a 300-foot paved pathway leads up to the treehouse. There’s a slight incline to the path near the end, but it’s doable for most power wheelchair and scooter-users. Golf cart assistance is available to anyone who needs it — just inquire at check in. And if you encounter any problems, just call the front desk.
Access features in Angels Rest include wide doorways, lever handles and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter. The main room is lined with windows that bring the outside in — you really feel like you are in a tree. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a refrigerator and a microwave. And there are two comfy chairs in front of the indoor-outdoor gas fireplace, and a vintage guitar tucked away in the corner. There’s also level access to the spacious deck through two double doors.
Deck outside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
The bathroom is cavernous, and includes a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a large roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a wooden shower bench. The toilet, which is located in an alcove around the corner, has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated). Top it off with a large roll-under sink and a lowered mirror and you have a nicely outfitted and accessible suite.
Bathroom in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite
Those Little Extras
And then there are those little extras that are included in this luxurious wheelchair-accessible treehouse. For starters, there’s not just a coffee maker, but a Nespresso machine. Just pop in a pod for a perfectly brewed cup of expresso. Of course if you prefer tea or cocoa, they have that too.
And let’s talk about the robes. Many hotels provide guests with robes and slippers, but the treehouse robe was the softest and plushest one I’ve ever worn. Seriously, I didn’t want to take it off.
There were also some nice extras outside. Not only are there comfy chairs and a table on the deck, but there’s also a Yeti ice chest. And it’s filled with ice, so bring your favorite beverage and enjoy. And although the whole treehouse suite simply oozes romance, the deck is a particularly romantic retreat. There’s also a nice open meadow below the deck, where the deer like to hang out near the end of the day.
Last but certainly not least, there’s the gas firepit that’s located close to the treehouse. There’s level access to the firepit, which is reserved for treehouse guests. And you don’t have to worry about actually starting a fire — just push a button and you’re good to go. Of course you can just sit around the fire and enjoy the evening, or you can whip up some tasty s’mores. And in keeping with the “little extras included” theme, s’more kits are also included in the treehouse suites. Truly they thought of everything.
But Wait, There’s More
Of course the wheelchair-accessible treehouse is just the tip of the iceberg at Skaminia Lodge. Let’s not forget the public spaces. There’s plenty of accessible parking near the main lodge building with a barrier-free path over to the spacious lobby. On the far side of the registration desk there’s a large fireplace, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the warmth, and take in the view of the surrounding forest.
The Cascade Dining Room, which is located just down the hall, also offers good wheelchair access. Guests can enjoy eggs benedict for brunch and feast on a rack of lamb at dinner. Lighter fare and gluten-free selections are also available. But one of the best features of the dining room is the expansive view of the forest, with the Columbia River in the background.
If you’d prefer some lighter fare, there’s also barrier-free access to the River Rock Lounge, which is located just down the hall.
And if you’d like to go for a swim, then just take the elevator to the basement and check out the indoor swimming pool. Not only is there good access around the pool, but there’s also a wheelchair lift to get into it. And since it’s protected from the elements, you can enjoy the water year-round.
In the end, not only does Skamania Lodge have all the bells and whistles, but it’s also just a short drive from the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you’ll find scenic vistas, jaw-dropping views and cascading waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic retreat. After all a segment of The Bachelorette was filmed there!
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
