Parks with Wheelchair Accessibility

Warm weather and clear skies are on the daily forecast as summer begins to truly establish itself. With this in mind, visiting parks to enjoy the weather while taking in some fantastic views is something we’d all love. However, some parks are not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Accessible, so finding the right one to visit can be difficult. Look no further than right here though, as we are going on a deep dive of all the best parks with wheelchair accessibility! 

Washington

Riverside State Park

Located in Spokane, Washington, Riverside State Park is a must visit when in the area. Riverside State Park allows you to take it easy or go all out, as it is fit with 55 miles of trails. The Nine Mile Recreation Area is the best place to be if in need of wheelchair accessibility. This area is equipped with an ADA accessible campground, restroom, and hiking trails, so you’ll never miss out on any of the action. The one mile of ADA accessible hiking is very manageable and fun to do. At the Riverside Recreation Area, there are also ADA accessible campgrounds and restrooms, but you’ll miss out on the hiking trails. For more on Riverside State Park, visit: https://bit.ly/2PHntGA 

Bay View State Park

Tucked right into Padilla Bay, Bay View State Park is a beautiful area with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. There are cabins available for rent fit with a porch swing and fire pit, a perfect place to relax. If you are looking for something with more of a view, you can chill at the beach shelter, which has amazing views of the bay, while also having barbecues to grill on. Padilla Bay is home to plenty of marine animals as well, so try and spot as many as you can! All of these areas are ADA accessible, making Bay View State Park a great place to come and visit. For more details on Bay View State Park, visit: https://bit.ly/2XLeWH9 

Lake Easton State Park

Lake Easton State Park is the perfect destination for those looking to relax and take in the outdoors. Located between Seattle and Ellensburg on I-90, Lake Easton comes with many ADA accessible amenities including a campsite, picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails. So if you use a wheelchair, you will have many things to do, whether that be a relaxing go around the lake or reading a book on the lakefront. Lake Easton State Park is serviceable all year round as they keep trails groomed and accessible even when it snows. Lake Easton is also a great place to go for just a day trip, so make sure to have a Discover pass if you ever go. For more information on Lake Easton State Park, visit: https://bit.ly/2PFEDUX 

Oregon

Spring Park

Spring Park may be the greatest hidden gem in Oregon if you’re looking for a relaxing hike or just a place to hang out. Tucked right into a residential area in Milwuakie, Oregon, this is a place where you need to do research to find out about. The path has been repaved, making it very accessible for those in wheelchairs. It has also been realigned to keep sensitive habitats safe and avoid any destruction. There is also a new overlook that allows people to look at the wetlands without endangering any species. The end of the trail leads you to Elk Rock Island, which is not wheelchair accessible from that point on. There is pretty limited parking, so be aware of that. There are no water fountains or restrooms in the park, so make sure you bring water with you! If you want to find out more about Spring Park, visit: https://bit.ly/3kvx0i7 

Lithia Park

Located in Ashland, Oregon is Lithia Park, their crown jewel. Lithia Park offers up many amenities including a sand volleyball pit, ice skating rink, tennis courts, and plenty of picnic areas. The best part of Lithia Park is the abundance of different trails, many of them paved, that will bring you to different areas. There is plenty of wildlife along the trails such as a plethora of beautiful trees and animals. During the summer, Lithia Parks holds many events that are extremely fun and open to everyone. These events include free Thursday night concerts and Silent Discos on Fridays! Lithia Park is a definite must go for everyone looking for a good time. For more on Lithia Park, visit the link here: https://bit.ly/2PHntGA 

Detroit Lake State Park

Located on the north shore of a canyon reservoir in the Cascade Mountains is Detroit Lake State Park. This park offers a multitude of water activities that include fishing and boating. The lakefront offers scenic views of Mt. Jefferson’s snow-capped peaks, as well as beautiful scenery closer to the lake. There is also a 2.7 mile hiking trail that runs along the outside of their campground. Their campground offers a few different options of amenities, with each option holding several ADA accessible sites. There is also a visitor center/gift shop that offers tons of information and useful equipment such as firewood, ice, and drinks that will make your time at Detroit Lake State Park even more enjoyable. For more on Detroit Lake State Park, visit the link here: https://bit.ly/3fJ1Dgh 

Idaho

Cottonwood Park

Located on the Bruneau arm of C.J. Strike Reservoir is a 12 acre campground and marina known as Cottonwood Park. Known as being very wheelchair accessible, with many amenities such as interpretive information, covered picnic areas, vault toilets, and fishing piers. There is a new pathway that leads from Cottonwood’s 28 campsites all the way to the marina, making access there very easy for everyone. The biggest and most popular thing to do at Cottonwood is fish. With both boat access and fishing piers, fishing can be done by virtually everyone and fun is bound to happen. Cottonwood stocks the reservoir with about 50,000 rainbow trout every March and October, so bites are more than likely! For more information on Cottonwood Park, visit: https://bit.ly/2F5dhWb 

Lake Walcott State Park

If you are looking for a beautiful place to camp or visit, Lake Walcott State Park is one of the places to go in Idaho. With a reservoir now high year round due to Minidoka Dam being rebuilt, fishing and relaxation by the waterfront are very popular activities. Lake Walcott State Park has also become very ADA accessible by constructing about two miles of paved pathways that wind through the park. These pathways are also plowed during the winter months, so they are still accessible then! The pathway passes by many campsites, with some of them being ADA accessible. They also have a 200 yard paved pathway that leads right to an accessible fishing dock and bird observation area. Along the way, you may spot some deer or hear the songs of birds. For more on Lake Walcott State Park, go here: https://bit.ly/3fLbke7 

Harriman State Park

Known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, Harriman State Park is a must visit. This 16,000 acre wildlife refuge offers trails that go past rivers, meadows, and forests, giving visitors an opportunity to soak in a ton of Idaho’s natural beauty. Elk, moose, and many birds can be encountered during your time at Harriman State Park, so be aware and admire from a distance! Many of the trails that meander through Harriman State Park are well kept and look to be accessible for wheelchairs. The best option for those who need ADA accessibility is the John Muir Trail. This is a paved interpretive trail that loops around the river and also offers a handicap fishing platform! For more on Harriman State Park, visit here: https://bit.ly/33VmZVL