COURTESY OF DAVID'S CHAIR ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS FOR ALL The Oregon Coast welcomes explorers of all abilities on its beaches, parks and other public lands. Here you’ll find wide, paved paths for slow mobility, innovative upgrades to beach access, and accessible kayak launches and fishing piers. These are some favorites on the North, Central and Southern coasts. DELIGHTFUL VIEWS ALONG PAVED PATHS Much of the nearly 13-mile (21-km) interpretive Astoria Riverwalk Trail on the Columbia River is accessible to all and includes views of ships and a magnificent bridge. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport offers a paved path to its interpretive center and lighthouse. At Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay, borrow a wheelchair to traverse the formal gardens in warmer months. ROLL OUT ON THE SAND For easier access to uneven ground and sandy beaches, several coastal communities have created more options. Go online to DavidsChair.org to reserve an all-terrain electric wheelchair with large track tires for happy rolling in Gold Beach, Florence, Newport, Pacific City, Netarts, Manzanita and Seaside. Reserve a manual beach wheelchair in Lincoln City by visiting LincolnCity.org. There are manual beach wheelchairs available for loan in Tillamook County, Seaside and some state parks as well. Long, wide, nonslip beach access mats — known as Mobi-mats — are perfect for caregivers with strollers and those who use mobility aids. Find them at beaches year-round in Seaside and in Lincoln City from Memorial Day to mid-October. PADDLING IN COASTAL WATERS Each year brings new accessible kayak launches with adaptive ramps and other features on the Coast. Find an accessible launch for the Rogue River at the Gold Beach Port. The boat ramp at William M. Tugman State Park allows paddlers of all abilities to enjoy scenic Eel Lake south of Winchester Bay, and accessible kayak docks also can be found at John Topits Park in Coos Bay; marinas at the Port of Siuslaw, Port of Alsea and Port of Garibaldi; the public boat dock in Wheeler; and Sue H. Elmore Park in Tillamook. Farther north, Broadway Park in Seaside provides access for bird lovers who paddle the Necanicum River appreciating wildlife. ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIERS For anglers, Brookings Harbor Marina has plenty of paved parking and docks for crabbing and fishing. The western side of the Bandon Marina riverwalk features an ADAaccessible pier. Try your hand at hooking some beauties on the ADAaccessible docks at Port of Toledo and Tillamook Tidewater Pier. David’s Chair 20 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM
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