Accessible Trails in Clatsop County Oregon

Astoria River Walk

Directions:

There are many streets through Astoria's downtown on Highway 30 (also called Marine Drive) where you can access the trail. The Visitor Center near the Astoria bridge [Map] has information. On the east end the Safeway parking lot on 32nd St has been reported to be a good access point.

Features:

Approximately five miles of paved pathway along Astoria's waterfront. There are viewing decks at the 6th, 14th, and 17th Street docks where you can view the town’s daily life as barges, cargo ships and commercial fishing boats navigate the river and deliver their goods to nearby markets and processors. Sea lions bark their approval for what is still a working commercial fishing port.

The 6th Street Riverpark has a sheltered observation platform where you can watch ships and to fish for Columbia River salmon. The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial headquarters is here; placards around the park display information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the area’s Chinook natives.

The 11th Street Pier has been developed with a restaurant and shops, and the 14th Street Pier and 17th Street Dock are two other convenient access points for watching cargo ships, sea lions, and fishing boats.

For slow walkers, instead of returning on the path, you can ride the Astoria Riverfront Trolley back to your starting point.

Other:

While in town, check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum or a driving tour of Astoria's historic victorian homes.

Lewis and Clark River Trail

Directions:

From Astoria head south on Hwy 101. From Seaside head north on Hwy 101.  From Hwy 101 follow the signs to Fort Clatsop. To start the trail at Netul Landing, drive 1.5 miles past the entrance to Fort Clatsop. To start the trail at Fort Clatsop, start at the park's visitor centor.

 Features:

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is also known as Fort Clatsop. The 1.5-mile river trail meanders gently along the Lewis and Clark River, taking in many of the same sights that the expedition members did.

Netul Landing marks one end of the Lewis and Clark River Trail. The 1/2-mile portion of the trail that makes up the Netul Landing provides access to some interesting wildlife viewing and a sculpture of Sacagawea.

Alternatively you can park at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and start your hike from the other end. [Map]

Fort to Sea Trail - Fort Clatsop

Directions:

Fort Clatsop is about five miles southwest of Astoria off U.S. 101. From Highway 101 turn east onto Bus 101, then follow the signs about three miles to Fort Clatsop.

Although the entire trail starts at the park’s visitor center, the ADA accessible portion of the trail starts at the Sunset Beach trailhead. Access to the Sunset Beach/Fort To Sea Trailhead parking lot is between milepost 13 and 14 on Hwy 101. Turn west onto Sunset Beach Lane. Drive to the Sunset Beach/Fort To Sea Trailhead parking lot.

Features:

The Fort To Sea Trail starts from the Visitor Center at Fort Clatsop. [Map] For the next mile or so, the trail is on an old road bed, graveled, with wide footbridges. It's built to ADA standards, though it's relatively steep for those in wheelchairs. A few old-growth trees are intermingled with younger growth. The middle portions of this trail are not considered accessible. Wheelchair users can access the ocean view at the Sunset Beach trailhead.

Only the section from Sunset Beach trailhead to the viewing platform overlooking the Pacific Ocean is completely ADA accessible with a 300-foot boardwalk leading to viewing platforms and the beach.

Trip Notes - Reported July 2007

'A most fantastic 1.25 mile really wide, paved trail to a beautiful overlook to the Pacific. Just beautiful - we felt like Lewis and Clark!'

Other:

The Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and most of the park is accessible. In some areas, assistance may be needed. Much of the trails are covered with wood chips. A wheelchair is available for loan at the visitor center. The Salt Works is accessible. Fishing at nearby Sunset Lake with a ground level dock, but no safety edge.  Trout, perch, brown bullhead, crappie, and  largemouth bass present.     

Fort Stevens Trails

Directions:

From Astoria, go 2 miles west on US Highway 101. Turn right at Warrenton Junction and follow signs to the park.

Features:

Fort Stevens has a network of nine miles of bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails through spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine. Since the area is fairly flat, many of those trails and facilities are accessible.

Fort Stevens protected our coastline for 84 years, beginning with the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today, camping, beachcombing, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, an historic shipwreck and an historic military area make Fort Stevens a large park with a lot of diversity and history.

Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, ADA restrooms, and a boat ramp.

Other:

The campground has accessible camping spots and an accessible wildlife viewing bunker. See the Oregon State Parks Web site and the Fort Stevens Trail Guide.

Seaside Promenade

Directions:

Seaside Oregon is on Hwy 101 south of Astoria. Access the promenade and Turnaround by heading west on Broadway, the tree-lined main street in the center of town.

Features:

Seaside's Oceanfront promenade features two miles of accessible, ocean front walkway. Seaside is a popular tourist town with mini-malls, specialty boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, arcades and cinemas.

On the promenade at the foot of Main Street is the End of the Trail Monument, commemorating the Lewis and Clark journey. Near the southern end of the promenade on Q Street are the ruins of the Salt Cairn a heap of brine-crusted rocks protected by an iron railing. It was built by the men Lewis and Clark sent to get salt by boiling down sea water.

Cullaby Lake County Park

Directions:

Off U.S. Highway 101 south of Astoria between Warrenton and Gearhart.

Features:

Cullaby Lake County Park, a 165 acre park has a 1.5-mile wetlands interpretative trail with an accessible viewing platform for nature observation (beavers, bald eagles, deer and waterfowl).

Cannon Beach / Ecola State Park / Indian Beach

Note: I could not find anything on accessiblity for this lovely area. It is extremely disappointing since for many years I enjoyed walking the beach and streets of Cannon Beach with trips to Ecola State Park. All I found on the internet was a reference in New Mobility magazine (2002) who wrote that Cannon Beach may be one of the most "disability-unfriendly" communities in the nation. Interesting article.

Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, just south of Cannon Beach has wheelchair access to the beach. However during winter storms it is often deemed unusable at times. We've stayed at the nearby Tolovana Inn many times. It has a nice restaurant and rooms with ocean-front views.

Even with the history and lack of documented accessiblity, I will be sure to check out this area when I return to note if accessibility has improved. If nothing else, there will be great views from the car up to Ecola State Park. See beach connection for more on this area.