Interactive Recreation Map Offers More Options for Accessible Hikes
An interactive map of ADA-compliant trails and features is now available on the Washington State Parks website.
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for more wheelchair accessible hikes can now find facilities and trails in Washington State Parks with the agency's new interactive recreation map.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) features can be found in a specific area by either typing in the address or exploring the map itself and clicking on the tree icons. The map also is also an easy way to find locations with specific features using the drop down menus to find accessible parks, paths, campsites and more.
Find wheelchair-accessible hikes like the Silver Lake boardwalk using Washington State Parks' ADA Recreation Map. Photo by stansbum.
Explore the possibilities this fall
Alta Lake State Park and Cape Disappointment are both fun and accessible locations for fun fall adventures that can be found on the ADA Recreation map.
Located between Chelan and the Methow Valley, Alta Lake State Park is a great place to see fall foliage. Take hike with the family along the 2-mile trail to take in the changing colors. The park also offers campsites and amenities for longer stays.
Alta Lake State Park is a great place to find sun and wheelchair-friendly hikes. Photo by Jenica.
Despite what the name may imply, Cape Disappointment is far from disappointing. Head to the Long Beach Area of Southwest Washington where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean to find this gem of a state park. Take a walk along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Bell’s Overlook Trail for gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal forest. Be sure to take in the old water tower, gun batteries and North Head Lighthouse along the way as well.
Finding the nearest ADA-compliant hiking trails with ADA-compliant restrooms is now just a few clicks away. Check out the interactive map on the Washington State Parks website for your next adventure, and let us know how it goes. Don’t forget to write a trip report and share your experience with the hiking community.
Use this ADA Recreation Map on Washington State Parks' website to find your next wheelchair powered adventure.
A note on trail etiquette: Always assume ability
While on trail, it might be hard to know if you should offer help to a person with a disability who looks like they may need some assistance. Elliot Howard, of Outdoors for All, offers some basic advice.
“Always assume ability, and always assume independence,” he says.
If it appears someone may need assistance, offer to help just like you would to any other hiker. It may be that they just need a bit more time, or it may be that they would appreciate assistance. If they would like help, then ask them how you can help.
“If they’re out there, they likely have done it before and have an idea of how they would like it to be done,” Elliot says.
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