Although it’s relatively easy to determine if a building is wheelchair-accessible (stairs vs. a level or ramped entry), it’s a bit more difficult to evaluate the accessibility of a trail. At first glance it might appear that if a wheelchair-user can manage a trail, then it must accessible, right? Well, not exactly, because not all wheelchair-users have the same ability. And then there are slow walkers. What if they can’t manage the trail.
Old growth trees are magnificent. Standing near the base of one of these stately giants, you can gaze up and see its branches reach skyward; and if you’re lucky, you might also spot a forest creature frolicking among them. But have you ever wondered what the view is like from some 200 feet up one of these ancient trees? Well, thanks to Leo Fisher, founder of Tree Climbing at Silver Falls (www.treeclimbingatsilverfalls.com/adaptivetreeclimbing), everybody — including wheelchair-users, slow walkers and folks with multiple mobility issues — can experience the splendor of life in the forest canopy in Northwestern Oregon.
Leo comes from a long line of Swiss mountaineers, so it’s no surprise that he started rock climbing at an early age and then became an arborist. After a short stint in law school, he decided he preferred the forest to the courtroom, so he set out to share his love of these stately giants with others. And that’s why he founded Tree Climbing at Silver Falls.
Make no mistake about it, Leo didn’t just hang up his shingle and proceed to offer recreational climbs in Silver Falls State Park. It took over two years of environmental reviews and extensive work with the park management before they could even begin. In the end, because Leo and his crew respect and protect the fragile old growth ecology, they were given the green light. And inclusion was on Leo’s mind from the beginning, as he wants everyone to be able to enjoy this sport.
For most climbs, wheelchair-users are transferred from their wheelchair to a full body harness, with adequate back and neck support. The ascender, which is also attached, is controlled by climbers on a phone app, and they can go up and down at their own speed. And if they lack hand control the ascender can be remotely controlled by the leader. If for whatever reason you cannot get our of your wheelchair, the team can attach a harness to your wheelchair to enable you to climb; however this rarely happens, as most folks can be accommodated in the full body harness.
Most slow walkers who don’t need extra back or neck support can usually use a standard harness and a power ascender. In the end, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can be accommodated in a variety of ways, with everything customized to each individual participant.
Leo’s wheelchair-accessible tree climbing experience begins on his website, with a detailed questionnaire about each climber’s abilities. It’s important to be honest about your abilities and limitations (especially the weight questions), so that the the team can craft the most optimal experience for you.
The tree used for the accessible climbs is located near the Howard Creek trailhead in Silver Falls State Park. There’s a large level parking lot nearby with an accessible porta-potty; and folks can drop off wheelchair-users and slow walkers near the trailhead close to the tree. It’s a short 50-foot walk or roll on a wide level dirt trail to the accessible climbing site.
All climbs begin with a short orientation and then a safety briefing. Then folks start with a short 10-15 foot climb, with an assistant at their side. The climbers set their own pace, and go up and down at a speed comfortable for them. Each climb is different, and the assistant is there to help out when needed, mostly for guiding climbers and getting branches out of their way. Climbers spend about two hours in the tree, and the whole experience lasts between three and four hours. And of course, there’s plenty of time for photos.
Participants are encouraged to bring along some water and snacks, and of course a sense of adventure. Additionally, if you want to get a group of friends together, there’s room for eight climbers at the accessible climbing site. So get ready to enjoy a day in a old growth giant and learn about the forest ecosystem. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience — and it’s accessible.
And if you’d like to explore Silver Falls State Park, and spend the night in an accessible cabin, read about your options at emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-silver-falls-state-park-getaway/.
Located about 20 miles southeast of Salem, Silver Falls State Park is the crown jewel of the Oregon State Park system. There’s no shortage of majestic waterfall views, and if you’d like to get a closer look, there are also several wheelchair-accessible trails to explore. Add in accessible picnic areas, restrooms, food service and visitor facilities, and you have the complete package. And if you’d like to spend a few nights, there’s a nice selection of wheelchair-accessible cabins nears the rivers edge. So pack the car and get ready to experience a cornucopia of natural beauty at Silver Falls State Park.
The South Falls District is the most developed area of the park. It features accessible parking in the main lot, near the accessible restrooms and the information board. A wide paved trail leads to the left past the South Falls Café to the stone circle. From there bear left and continue along past the Nature Store. Take the next left and follow the trail out to the viewpoint. This is the closest view of the South Falls, and it’s about .25 from the parking lot. There is a small wall along the rim, and depending on the season some foliage may obstruct your view, so continue along the paved trail for a better vantage point.
After you return to the main trail, take the next left for a better falls view. This viewpoint is about .3 from the parking lot, and a bit downhill, but there’s a bench and a clear view at the end.
The trail past this point is not accessible, but if you head back towards the parking lot you can see the other side of the area. This time, take the right trail from the parking area and wind around the back of the South Falls Cafe and past the second set of restrooms to the Stone Kitchen Shelter on the right. Constructed by the CCC in 1936, this community kitchen was renovated in 2005. There’s an accessible pathway that leads past a picnic area to the right and up to the kitchen, and bypasses the steps in front.
And just past the Stone Kitchen Shelter, there’s a nice accessible boardwalk that winds through the forest. The access ends after the boardwalk, but it’s still a nice little jog through the forest. And a pleasant place to have a picnic lunch.
The North Canyon District also has some accessible features, as this area recently underwent a major renovation. It’s located just past the north entrance to the park, and it should not be confused with the North Falls parking area, which is located further south along the road.
There’s accessible parking in the large lot with level access to the accessible restrooms and picnic area. There are a number of tables on the grass under the trees, plus one accessible table near the parking lot with an accessible drop-off are nearby. There’s no shortage of picnic choices here.
The North Rim Trail begins just to the left of the restrooms. This wide hard-packed dirt trail is covered with crushed rock in the beginning, and then transitions to a dirt trail. It winds through the forest and passes the North Canyon Nature Play Area, where kids can play on nature-themed play equipment. There’s also another picnic area along the route, which is in a level dirt area and has room at the end of the tables for wheelchairs. It’s a more secluded option than the main picnic area.
The trail continues along through the forest, crosses a bridge and has a minimal elevation gain. At about the .6-mile point, there’s an accessible viewpoint with an interpretive plaque and a nice view of the North Falls. After that the trail loses its access, as there are steps, ruts, and elevation gains. Still it makes for a nice 1.2-mile out-and-back hike through the forest, and it offers a great view at the end.
The South Falls Campground also boasts a doable trail for many folks. You can access the trail in two places — near the campground entrance and campsite 2, or near the amphitheater and campsite 41. The entrance near campsite 2 has a bridge with about a three-inch step, but there is also an alternate entrance from the campground road.
The whole trail is about 1.25 miles long, but only the end sections are doable, as the middle has narrow pathways, rocks and other obstacles, steep sections and some overgrown foliage. From each entrance the trail is doable for about .4 mile. These sections boast a wide trail in good repair, that meanders along a stream and through the forest with a minimal elevation gain. It’s a good trail for birders, as there’s no shortage of wildlife along the way. Best bet is to take the trail as far as you can manage, and then double back. It’s a beautiful taste of nature.
And if you’d like to spend the night in the campground, accessible campsites 58, 60, 86 and 91 feature a paved driveway, a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and are near the accessible restrooms. As an added bonus, campsite 91 also has a covered picnic table. If you want to bring your rig, campsites 2, 3 and 4 are accessible sites with power. To be honest, this is a pretty level campground and most of the campsites are doable for wheelchair-users — the big difference is the distance from the bathrooms.
And if you’d like to get up-close-and-personal with mother nature, then check out this accessible tree climbing option near the campground. emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-tree-climbing-in-silver-falls-state-park/
If you want to overnight in the park, but don’t really want to pitch a tent, then consider one of these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins. Located in the cabin village, Cabin 1 is the most private. It features a wide paved driveway and ramped access up to the front porch.
This two-room cabin features electricity, lights, a heater, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair. The front room is furnished with a table with four chairs and a 19-inch high futon; while the other room includes a bunk bed (20-inch high bottom bunk) and a 24-inch high double bed. And outside there’s an accessible picnic table, a raised grill and plenty of room to roll around the level site. This cabin can sleep six, and does not allow pets.
The shower house is about 120 feet away, and it includes a private room with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a fold down shower seat and a hand-held showerhead. It also has a small changing area and a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror. The bathroom is next door and includes a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), a urinal and a roll-under sink.
Cabins 3,4 and 7 are also accessible choices in the cabin village. They have the same access features as cabin 1, and they all sleep six and don’t allow pets. Cabin 3 has a large accessible deck, cabin 4 has a side ramp and a large porch, and cabin 7 is the closest to the bathroom.
Additionally, there’s an accessible cabin in the campground (19) which sleeps four people and accepts pets. It’s not as private as those in the cabin village but it’s still a nice accessible place to overnight in Silver Falls State Park.
Monument Valley Tribal Park (navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/) is a must-stop on any Southwestern road trip. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, this chunk of Navajo land boasts an impressive collection of sandstone formations towering as high as 1,000 feet above the rich red desert. And there’s no better place to stay in Monument Valley than at The View Hotel (monumentvalleyview.com). Not only does this property have a spacious wheelchair-accessible guest room, but it also offers panoramic desert views from private balconies.
Located off scenic Highway 163 at the end of Monument Valley Road, The View Hotel is pretty hard to miss, as there aren’t many structures in the area. And that’s also part of its beauty – isolation.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in front of the property, with level access to the lobby. Room 103, which features wide doorways, a lowered peephole and lever handles, is located just around the corner. It’s furnished with a 28-inch high king-sized bed, with wheelchair access on both sides. An easy chair, desk, refrigerator, microwave and a chest of drawers round out the furnishings.
The bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with a built-in shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. There is a slight one-inch lip on the shower threshold, but most people won’t have any problems with that. And with the full five-foot turning radius in the bathroom, there’s plenty of room to navigate even the largest wheelchair. The toilet blocks the transfer space to the shower bench, but if you can manage the slight shower lip on the opposite end, it shouldn’t be a problem.
And then there’s the view from the balcony. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset.
There is good access throughout the public areas of the property as well, with elevator access to The View Restaurant and The Trading Post gift shop on the second floor. There’s also a loaner wheelchair available at the front desk.
Known as “the place where the earth meets the sky”, there’s no shortage of scenic spots to enjoy in Monument Valley. The best place to begin your visit is at the Welcome Center and Navajo Market, which are located near the park entrance on Monument Valley Road.
Accessible parking is available in front of the Welcome Center, with level access up to the front door. Inside, there are interpretive exhibits about the history of the area, and about the many films and commercials that were made there. There’s barrier-free access throughout the building, and to the terrace out back, which offers a panoramic view of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. As you survey the landscape, you’ll begin to understand why so many westerns were filmed there.
Next door there’s also accessible parking near the Navajo Market, which features a variety of local vendors, and boasts everything from artwork and jewelry, to baskets and even wood carvings. There is level access to many of the shops, and although some are a bit small, most vendors will happily bring items out to you.
Don’t miss the scenic 17-mile drive through Monument Valley. The unpaved and bumpy road begins near the hotel; and although four-wheel-drive isn’t required, it’s not advised for low clearance vehicles. Make sure and plan an adequate amount of time to complete the drive though, as you you can only go 5 mph. It’s also best to avoid the drive in the rain.
Finally, it’s important to remember that Monument Valley is on Navajo land, so national park passes are not valid there. There is an entrance fee to drive over the land, even if you are a hotel guest.
Located in Northeastern Oklahoma, the Keystone Ancient Forest (www.sandspringsok.gov/175/Keystone-Ancient-Forest) is home to 500-year old cedars, 330-year old majestic oaks and over 80 species of butterflies. As an added bonus the preserve is filled with eagles, migratory birds, deer and other wildlife. The 1,380-acre parcel has received recognition from The Nature Conservancy and it’s the first Oklahoma property to become a member of the Old Growth Forest Network. And although the forest has a few natural barriers for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, track chairs are now available for loan.
Track chairs have tank tires instead of standard wheels and they can navigate over obstacles that most wheelchairs can’t manage. The track chairs can be taken on the Childers Trail, the Fire Road and the Frank Trail. If you cannot transfer to the track chair on your own, you must bring somebody to help you. And while you’re in the preserve, all pets must be on a six-foot leash.
The track chairs are available by advance reservation at sandspringsok.org/FormCenter/Case-Community-Center-10/Track-Chair-Request-Form-98. After the form is completed and the waiver is signed, someone from the Keystone Ancient Forest will get back to you to confirm your reservation and to answer any questions. For more information, call (918) 246-7795.
Late last year the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced some timely updates to the Air Carrier Access Act. https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/
Subsequently five airlines, along with an airline trade group filed suit in the Fifth District challenging these stricter standards. https://emerginghorizons.com/acaa-updates-stalled-due-to-litigation/
If you’d like to hit the beach while you are in Honolulu, but you’re a wheelchair-user or slow walker, rest assured it’s still possible. Thanks to the Department of Parks and Recreation, beach mats and beach wheelchairs are available at many Honolulu beaches.
The hard plastic beach mats make it easy for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to navigate over the soft sand. And if you’d like to pave your own way, the beach wheelchairs make that possible too. The beach wheelchairs have three balloon tires, and have a weight capacity of 300 pounds. They are available on a first-come basis, in two-hour increments. It’s important to note that the beach wheelchairs cannot be self propelled, so you must bring along a companion to push you around the beach.
For more information about the Honolulu beach wheelchairs and beach mats, visit www.honolulu.gov/dpr/therapeutic-recreation-beach-wheelchairs/. That site also has a helpful map of all the beach mat and beach wheelchair locations. So get ready to enjoy the sand and surf on your next Honolulu trip.
Located on the quieter northern side of the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge has long been a top choice for a relaxing nature getaway. But make no mistake, you’re not exactly roughing it at this upscale mountain lodge. That said, even with the luxurious touches and attentive service, you’re still connected to the outdoors in just about any space on the property.
Skamania Lodge has also been proactive about wheelchair access. Not only do they offer some beautiful accessible lodge rooms, but they also have a secluded wheelchair-accessible treehouse (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). The former is great for family visits, while the latter is excellent for a romantic getaway. The newest addition to the Treehouse Village is a collection of luxury cabins, including a nice wheelchair-accessible unit. So, pack your bags, leave the big city behind you and relax in a Skamania Lodge wheelchair-accessible cabin.
There’s level access to the lobby at this outdoor-themed lodge, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair to the front desk. From there, it’s a short drive to the gated treehouse section of the property, where the wheelchair-accessible cabin is located. Cabin 744 (also known as Horsetail Falls) includes a private parking space in front, with plenty of room for an adapted van. And if you happen to drive an EV, there’s also a charging station there.
There’s barrier-free access to the spacious front porch, and a comfy Adirondack chair in front. Access features in this one-bedroom cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling.
The great room includes a stone gas fireplace, a king size sofa bed, a dining table with four chairs and a compact kitchen. The kitchen features a roll-under sink, and a lowered microwave and refrigerator. The whole cabin exudes a woodsy ambiance, with high ceilings, wood beams and natural wood accents.
A large barn door leads into the bedroom, which is furnished with two 22-inch high open-frame queen-sized beds, with wheelchair access in the middle and the right side (as you face them). Other furnishings include a nightstand, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. And to make you feel welcome, there’s a stuffed mini-Sasquatch on the bed.
There’s excellent access in the cavernous bathroom, which includes barn door access and features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead (as well as a traditional showerhead). It also includes a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated).
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If you’re planning on a trip to Italy and use are a wheelchair-user or slow walker, here are a few resources to help you in the trip planning process.
Rome and Italy Tourist Services (www.romeanditaly.com) is able to organize customized accessible tours and excursions throughout Italy. The tours are conducted by English speaking guides in lift-equipped vans, and feature accommodations at accessible properties. Tours are available to Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Pisa, Naples, Florence and more.
Day tours of Rome are also available, and a special adaptive device – a Wheely Trekky – is used for inaccessible archeological sites such as the Colosseum. Additionally, arrangements for the rental of adaptive equipment, including shower chairs, hoists, scooters and manual and power wheelchairs can be made. Accessible transfers to and from all the major Italian airports are also available. For more information e-mail info@romeanditaly.it. And if you arrive in Italy by ship, accessible shore excursions are also available.
If a flight to the Eternal City is in your future, then make sure and check out the ADR website for information about accessible transfers to and from the airport. Helpful information about accessible taxi, bus and train transfers at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are listed on this website. Also included is some general access information and some helpful tips. https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/adrassistance
Italy Accessible offers accessible tours of Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and and the surrounding areas for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This local tour operator arranges customized excursions in ramped minivans, with stops at accessible attractions and restaurants. Accessible lodging in hotels that have been inspected for access is also included. Day tours, as well as week-long adventures are offered. And if you’d like a customized tour, they can put that together too. For more information, visit www.accessibletourism.it.
Beginning on September 25, 2025 Southwest Airlines will implement new regulations for passengers traveling with lithium-powered mobility devices. The new regulation requires customers to remove all lithium batteries from their wheelchairs or scooters before boarding the aircraft. The batteries will need to be carried aboard by passengers, but will not count towards their checked baggage allowance or personal items.
