accessible trails for disabled people in scooters and wheelchairs

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Highway 12, Cowlitz River Valley

Hwy 504, the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway

Hwy 503, the Lewis River Highway

Hwy 4, Ocean Beach Highway along the Columbia River

Pacific County

Vancouver Area

State Route Hwy 14 into the Wind River area and along the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area
Accessible trails in the Southwest Area of Washington State for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Pacific Area

Bordering the Ocean and Willapa Bay, Pacific County includes the Long Beach Peninsula located at the County’s west edge. The 43-square mile Peninsula stretches 28 miles north and is approximately 1.5 miles wide; it is 108 miles from Portland and 146 miles from Seattle. The Long Beach Peninsula includes the cities of Long Beach and Ilwaco, as well as the towns of Seaview, Nahcotta, Oysterville, Ocean Park, and Chinook. Pacific's northern area includes Raymond, South Bend, Tokeland, and Menlo, with Naselle to the east. (See Map)

Long Beach Boardwalk

Directions:
From Montesano, drive south on State Route 107 to Hwy 101. Continue south on Hwy 101 to the intersection of SR 103 (Pacific Highway) in Seaview. Head north on SR 103 to the first stoplight which is Bolstad Road. Turn left and go three blocks to the parking area. This beach access has designated parking.

Features:
A 12-foot-wide elevated boardwalk extends along the beachfront for 10 blocks. It has three observation platforms with telescopes and interpretive displays of natural history. This boardwalk trail, lit at night, runs along the edge of the sand dunes with views to the west of sand and beach and to the east beach grass and stunted conifers. There are picnic tables spaced along its length.

Longbeach Boardwalk on a quieter post Labor Day weekday.

Other:
Public restrooms are located on S. 10th and on Bolstad, as well as in downtown Long Beach.

The boardwalk is the central point for Long Beach's many festivals. This area is noted for the International Kite Festival, held the third full week of August.

Discovery Trail - Long Beach and Beard's Hollow

Discovery Trail at Long BeachDirections:
There are several access points in Long Beach along the 2-mile paved section. For disabled folks, use the Bolstad Road parking area, which is about the halfway mark.

The paved section at Beard's Hollow parking lot is inside Cape Disappointment State Park off North Head Lighthouse Road.

Features:
The paved, accessible 2-mile section of the Discovery Trail winds through the dune grass in Long Beach from 17th Street S. to 16th Street NW, crossing beneath the boardwalk at the halfway mark. Named in honor of and planned in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, the paved trail is not yet complete. When complete, the trail will continue south to the Cape Disappointment vicinity and will follow Captain Clark's walk north from Beard's Hollow and return trip via the headlands between Beard's Hollow and the City of Ilwaco. As of September 2007, only a small portion of trail is paved. The Discovery Trail website states that funding was approved July 2007 to finish the remaining trail, so this may change in the near future.

Beard's Hollow at the accessible Trailhead.

The photo above is a beautiful wetland which is accessed from the Beard's Hollow parking lot. There are several trails that stem from this parking lot, but currently, the only accessible path is the flat, paved trail that heads west (estimate .5 miles) to the sand dunes. Unfortunately the trail becomes rough, rocky, and unaccessible at this point and disabled folks can not connect with the paved 2-mile section in Long Beach.

Other:
For camping, nearby Cape Disappointment State Park (formerly called Fort Canby State Park) is a 1,882-acre camping park just outside Ilwaco at the very southwesternmost corner of the Long Beach Peninsula. Perched high above the mouth of the Columbia River, the park includes trails, Cape Disappointment lighthouse. View from Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.ocean beaches and historical sites. This is the headland where the Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery finally reached the Pacific Ocean on their historic journey. Rainforest trails through towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock lead to two lighthouses including Cape Disappointment lighthouse (1856), the oldest functioning lighthouse on the west coast and the North Head lighthouse (1898).

Woodland wildflowers and shrubs bloom throughout the spring and early summer. Deer are frequently seen along the coastal meadows. This headland was a military fortification for the entrance of the Columbia River beginning with the Civil War, and today, the park features the remains of World War II bunkers.

Camping facilities include 190 standard campsites, 60 RV sites and 4 primitive campsites. There are three ADA barbecue sites in the park, designated sites, 2 ADA restrooms and four ADA showers. The park offers 27 miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses, the accessible Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and hiking trails. (No accessible trails noted other than the short trail at at Beard's Hollow, but there is a long gentle trail to North Head Lighthouse that some disabled folks with power mobility devices have taken.) Along with prime birding habitat, whale watchers frequent vantage points, such as the North Head, to scan the ocean for gray whales during late December, early January, and March through May.

Trip Notes:

Sept 2007 - We had scheduled an RV trip for two years running that had been canceled. I finally drove down alone on an overnighter to this area to specifically check out the accessiblity. I had not been down here since the Lewis and Clark Centennial improvements to the park. I have to say that Cape Disappointment brought new meaning to me. The Discovery Trail was scheduled to be completed, and they may have linked the paved sections together, but not with pavement! Starting at Beard's Hollow, the first half mile is paved and fully accessible, including designated parking at the trailhead and an ADA toilet. The wetlands are quite beautiful (see photo). When you reach the sand dunes, the trail continues with large rock that even with my outdoor mobility scooter, I could not comfortably take without getting a flat tire. It was terribly disappointing to be so close to the ocean and not see it! Maybe in the future.

Prior to that, I went up to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and had to wait for someone to come and let me in. No handicap accessible door. The tour starts by switchbacking down a ramp while viewing photos and documentation of the expedition. On the lower floor there is an elevator to take visitors up to the top floor, but I could not get into the elevator as there was not enough room on the landing to back my scooter into it. I ended up going back up the ramp and not seeing the entire exhibit. If you have a larger outdoor scooter, you may have similar problems. Wheelchair users will need assistance at this facility!

Outside the building, there is a nice view overlooking the ocean (see photo). I did not stay long because I wanted to hit the trails. It was very hot that day, and I was still upset at spending $5. and not getting through the exhibit. The are lots of trails in this park and it was confusing to say the least. Obviously many of them will never be accessible due to steep inclines over the headlands.

After checking into a motel in Long Beach, I headed down the boardwalk. In a seated position on my scooter, I could not see the ocean beach except for at the first, highest platform. Before leaving I took some of the paved Discovery trail that runs through the sand dunes and grasses parallel to the boardwalk. The trail is peppered with outdoor scultures of historical significance. My Austrailian Shepard was with me and it was too hot and windy to hang out on the trail so I did not stay too long. We spent some time people watching on the main drag through town and then got Fish and Chips for a late supper and called it a day. I did not have time to check out my most favorite part of Long Beach, Leadbetter Point and the Willapa Wildlife Refuge. I'll save that for some other time, particularly during the wildfowl migratory season.

Leadbetter Point State Park

Directions:
North end of Long Beach Peninsula, State Route 103. Three miles north of Oysterville on Stackpole Road. Drive north along Sandridge Road from Nahcotta to Oysterville, head west (left) at Oysterville; follow the signs.

Williipa BayFeatures:
Explore a unique ecosystem of shifting dunes, grasslands, ponds, marshes and tideland forest at Leadbetter Point State Park on the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula. The park is a wildlife refuge, home to innumerable waterfowl and animals. It is a stopover site for wildfowl on the Pacific Flyway. The open dune area at the tip of the point is part of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The forested base is managed by the state as Leadbetter Point State Park Natural Area. Brief hiking trails provide magnificent views of the full sweep of Willapa Bay and its ocean entrance, and also offer seldom-equalled bird-watching opportunities. (None of these trails are confirmed as accessible, but in my research, I did see at least one boardwalk to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean and there are accessible restrooms.)

For slow walkers, this is a great spot and should not be missed. Several loop trails wind through dunes and shore pine forest to the Pacific Ocean. Moss and dune grass alternate covering the sandy forest floor. An abundant number of mushrooms make their home here in the spring. Several varieties of wildflowers and shrubs bloom in early spring and summer. A trail up the Willapa Bay side of the spit offers views of the tidelands, and you can follow the trail northward around tidal channels for more than 2 miles. If you plan to stay on the trails for many hours, you should bring drinking water. Park and refuge officials emphasize that hikers should not wander from the marked paths. Shorebirding can be excellent in late summer, when Pacific Golden-Plovers are regulars among many other species, including such Asian rarities as Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Sandy trails flanked by Hooker’s Willows and dunes carpeted with Kinnikinnick and Salal lead to the ocean side of the spit, where in late summer you will find Brown Pelicans and Sooty Shearwaters along the shore (avoid the areas seasonally closed for Snowy Plover nesting). Other bird species include sandpipers, turnstones, yellowlegs, sanderlings, knots, plovers, and the Black brandt, a sea goose which migrates along the Pacific between Alaska and Mexico. During April and May, Leadbetter Point’s marshes and mud flats transform into a Mecca for migrating shorebirds and brandts. Leadbetter is also the place where the Snowy Plover reaches the northern limit of its breeding range. These small shorebirds nest on the upper ocean beach in small scapes in the sand. Part of the dunes is closed to any entry – foot or car – from April through August to protect the nesting Snowy Plover, which has been designated as a threatened species. Bald eagles, herons and a variety of shorebirds are frequently seen. If you take the trails north you might even spot a black bear heading across the peninsula.

Other:
Bring mosquito repellent and water. Park hours: 6:30 a.m. to dusk April 1 through Oct. 15; 8 a.m. to dusk Oct. 16 through March 31.
See excellent Seattle PI article and photos of this and other Long Beach spots.

Butte Creek (DNR)

Directions:
Start in Raymond at junction of SR 6 and US 101. Go N on US 101 for 2.3 mi. Site is on right.

Features:
Viewpoint of old-growth forest. Accessible trail (appeared not to be kept up), picnic tables, restroom. Water is handpump. Butte Creek is an excellent example of high quality murrelet habitat. The marbled murrelet can be observed in the pre-dawn hours and are characterized by a high pitched "keer keer" vocalization which sounds like a seabird. About the size of a robin and flying very rapidly, they resemble jet fighter planes in their swiftness.

Other Info:
Camping nearby at Grayland Beach State Park with Picnic sites, RV and campsites, and sandy beaches. Beach driving allowed north and south of beach access.

Willapa Hills State Trail

Directions:
The northern trailhead is located in the Raymond Downtown Riverfront Park. The southern trailhead of the paved portion of the trail is in South Bend.

Features:
A 5+ mile accessible section of the trail goes between Raymond and South Bend and follows the Willapa River. The paved trail has picnic tables and restrooms along the way.

Raymond Public Pier is a trailhead for the Willapa Hills trail.The trail's northern head starts at Riverfront Park, which is at 3rd and Alder Street, in Raymond. Nearby is the Willapa Seaport Museum, the public waterfront market, and Public Pier. The park offers transient moorage at the dock, picnicking, an ampitheater, public restrooms and plenty of daytime parking spaces. There are several hundred metal sculptures displayed throughout Raymond and along the trail.

Just south of Riverfront Park the trail splits at the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 6. You have the option to follow the trail along Hwy 101 to South Bend or take the paved section of trail along Hwy 6 (paved for about 1 mile). There is a stop light at this intersection for safe crossing to continue the trail along Hwy 6. After a short distance you will leave sounds of traffic along the road and follow the river. It is a lovely area with views of the tidal river and wildfowl (see photo below).

Willapa Hills trail in Raymond. This part of the trail follows the Hwy 6 corridor. Only a short section is paved.This trail continues as a gravel trail along the former Burlington Northern Railroad corridor. The Willapa Hills Trail stretches 56 miles from Chehalis to South Bend on sleepy HWY 6, rambling through pastoral valleys to tidewater Willapa Bay. Budget constraints will probably keep the trail unimproved for some time. Future plans call for additional surface improvements and the addition of primitive campsites. Presently, for able-bodied folks to do the entire trail - the bridges are there, the brush has been kept in check, and it looks like slow walkers and scooter users could travel parts of this trail without experiencing difficulties. This is a very lightly traveled section of the state, and the remoteness adds to the appeal of the trail. The Chehalis end is just south of the Highway 6 interchange with I-5 (exit 77).

Other:
Also in Raymond, visit Willapa Landing Park, 8th and Franklin. This 12 acre park located along the Willapa River includes a boat launch, fishing pier, picnic tables, interpretive displays and a wetland trail. (Note: wheelchair accessiblity unknown at this time.)

While in South Bend, tour Robert Bush Park located next to the Boondocks Restaurant. Adjacent to the park, you can stroll along the Ray Spurrell Walkway, overlooking the docks and the Willapa River. South Bend is a fishing village with a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Tour the historic buildings and the Pacific County Historical Museum. The historic Pacific County Courthouse retains original fixtures and lighted Tiffany glass dome about 29 feet in diameter. (Note: wheelchair accessiblity unknown at this time.)

Camping nearby at several spots: Bruceport County Park, four miles S. of South Bend on Hwy 101. This county park has campsites and RV hook-ups, picnic areas, beach trail (sandy - not accessible). Bush Pioneer County Park, 2nd and Park, Bay Center has campsites, picnic tables, play equipment and beach access.

Willapa Bay’s tidelands are an important rest stop for waterfowl and seabirds that follow the major north-south migrational route known as the Pacific Flyway. Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel and Dowitchers can be seen in Willapa Bay in winter and during migration. Year-round the variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors is outstanding. You’re sure to be rewarded with close encounters with bald eagles, blue heron, or kingfishers and if you’re really lucky you may see a marbled murrelet. See Williapa County birdlist.

Willapa Bay Fishing. This large bay is popular for salmon fishing and crabbing. Sturgeon are also popular here, with the best success below the Naselle River mouth (Highway 101). Nahcotta Tidelands Interpretive Center has public beaches for gathering oysters and hardshell clams seasonally. Contact the Willapa Bay Field Station for more information. The Nahcotta site also offers educational opportunities through interpretive signage, plus disabled-accessible parking and toilets.

Trip Notes:

Sept 2007 - Started my exploration of this trail at Raymond's Riverfront Park. There are many interesting metal sculptures in the town. I headed first to the pier and a good spot to view the tidal area. I followed the paved trail north along the river, but the trail quickly turned to a rough jeep-type trail. Although I could have continued on my outdoor mobility scooter, I turned back and retraced my steps to the park and headed south to the intersection of Hwy 101 and Hwy 6. I used the traffic light at the intersection to cross Hwy 101 and continue the trail south. Shortly the trail and river moved away from the road and I enjoyed views of the tidal river on the left and deciduous trees and shrubs on the right. Blackberries were ripe along the trail and I picked some and put them in the blackberry yogurt I brought with me as a snack. It was a nice little section of trail. When I headed back, I did not take the trail toward South Bend, but you can see it from the highway from Raymond to South Bend. This part of the trail has to contend with noisy traffic on Hwy 101, but it makes for a nice trail for the locals especially. I was particularly impressed with the many access points with adequate parking, picnic tables, benches, and vault toliets (some accessible).

Symbols

An agency or a trip evaluation has rated all or part of the trail as wheelchair accessible.
There is some terrain greater than a 5% grade. A wheelchair user may require assistance on portions of this trail. Suitable for power mobility devices.
No Dogs are allowed on the trail.
Accessible Trails in Southwest Washington