As it happened
​(still 4 days, 3 nights):
Day 1:  We traveled to Florence, but we got a late start, the visitor center was closed due to COVID-19, and the museum closed before we could find where it was and get there (closed 4pm).  Ordinarily a restaurant inside the Best Western Pier Point Inn looks intriguing, but it was closed due to COVID.  We drove back over the historic Siuslaw River bridge to find eats in Old Town Florence.  Bay Street along the Siuslaw River has plenty of quaint shops and restaurants. Siuslaw Interpretive Center is an urban renewal project that created little parks and paths by the river in Old Town.  Continue your stroll to a nice walkable boardwalk along the dock.  We had no problem staying 6’ apart, as it was not crowded in town when we were there. 
     At Restobar we took out a multicultural meal to travel:  an Americano Burger, a Greek personal pizza, and clam chowder Florentine to eat at the park across the street with a great view of the bridge.  Best to call ahead.  They were busy.  Friendly greetings between locals perhaps implies the popularity of the place.  Burger and salad or fries was $12, personal pizza $13 (enough for 2), cup of chowder $5, and I think the lemonades were $2.50 refillable. We both loved the Florentine chowder, the burger was good and hearty, and the pizza was still tasty for breakfast.
     The Best Western Pier Point Inn was pleasant, had a great view of the bridge and river, and a balcony.  The pool was open by reservation to limit numbers, but the spa was closed.  Although the pool had handicapped access, it was downstairs, and there was no elevator!  The hotel entrance has lovely stairs, take the ramp to the left to wheel into the lobby.  Our room was roomy enough to accommodate my wheelchair comfortably. The bed was about 28.5” high, had 4 cushy pillows, and I thought a comfortable mattress.  The toilet was 15.5” high, toilet front to opposing wall abt. 27”, the tub side 15” high, (a tub is my preference).  If you are height challenged, remember to have a helper put the handheld shower and towels within reach, put a little shampoo and body wash from the dispensers in cups.  The bathroom door and space was comfortably maneuverable for my 24” wide chair (narrowest width of doorjamb 33.5”).  In my experience, Best Western always has a great breakfast bar, but COVID pared that down to a breakfast bag.  Other amenities, like phone book, pen and pad, and such were also limited.  The remote was in a breathable bag marked fresh.  More amenities and info about the area https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-florence/best-western-pier-point-inn/propertyCode.38098.html
     If you want to walk right from your hotel into Old Town, River House Inn might suit.
     Beside the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum and the Siuslaw Interpretive Center,  Ocean Dunes is one of 3 golf courses to do, Oregon Coast Military Museum for military history buffs, Sand Master Park offers Sandboarding,  Three Rivers Casino and Resort caters to a certain set.  A municipal airport can give you a landing.  You could spend some days exploring these as well as county parks, or take an excursion to

• Darlingtonia State Natural Site has carnivorous plants (5 miles north}, see https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=81
• The Sea Lion Caves (10 mi north) http://www.sealioncaves.com/   are not accessible.
• Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint (12 mi north) https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=86
• Heceta Head Lighthouse (12 mi north) “This working lighthouse is TripAdvisor's top-rated B&B in Yachats!”  https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/

​

Day 2:  After an 11am checkout at the hotel, we were over an hour early for our first Dune Buggy tour at Sandland Adventures.  But they have miniature golf and go-karts (and normally bumper boats & a little train ride, which were closed for COVID).  I could wheel up to the castle at the start of the 18 hole mini golf course, and have a good view of my travel helper at golf and then go-karts.  After those it was time to load up on the giant Dune Buggy. 
​     We loaded last and in front.  I was able to crawl up the 4 steps, and then my helper had to hoist me onto the seat with my belt loop after such a work-out.  I wore my valuables in a fanny pack, and we should have worn light jackets or wind breakers.  The driver gave us an informative tour with 2-3 photo ops, and some excitement, especially for me sitting in front.  He kept mentioning wildlife sometimes seen, but we only saw the birds and the bees.  An hour ride for the two of us was $37.
     I was worried about getting down to Spinreel in time for our 2nd dune buggy tour, but with the social distancing and other COVID precautions, we had a considerable wait.  Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rental does have snacks for sale, outside seating, and picnic tables.  When you reserve, there’s a parental release form to fill out for minors.  They want you there a half hour ahead of your tour for considerable paperwork. 
     This time we were in a Dune Buggy for 4—just my helper and I and the driver.  I was glad enough to sit in back.  We were each given a helmet and the option of goggles. It was difficult to board the buggy through the narrow door, but my helper helped me manage.  We went fast, but I think the driver maybe toned it down some after my helper had mentioned that I tend to freak out a little in certain driving situations (since my life was so dramatically changed in an auto accident 30+ years ago).  For more info and maps about this area, see http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_oregon_coos_bay.htm 
​     Both experiences were fun, and I’m glad I got to give dune buggies a try, though I don’t feel the compulsion to do it again.
      By this time we were both tired, so we got burgers and headed for our hotel.  We found an eatery we could agree to try for supper:   Shake N Burger, Coos Bay.  Not a national chain, somewhat unprepossessing, but great burgers and shakes.  I had a South of the Border, and it was flavorful and filling, though my taste buds wanted to keep savoring the flavors. 
     We stayed at the Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay.  There’s ample parking, and an outdoor pool (closed for COVID, and maybe because it’s not quite warm enough in the upper 60s).  They offer complimentary bike rental, which I would have loved to ride down to the boardwalk (if I could), and to the Museum if it was open.  See brochure https://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/img/walking-map-cbnb.pdf 
     The room was clean, though on first entering there was a little musty smell, perhaps from being shut up for some months due to COVID and the off season.  I thought the décor pleasant enough, even if my helper thought it a little dated.  I guess I’m dated, too.  We were on the ground floor right in front of handicapped parking, just a couple doors down from the laundry room (the ice machine there was out of order, but one down the way was fine).  The closet had a lowered bar/shelf, the towels were on lowered shelves.  The sliding closet doors were beautifully wide full-length mirrors.  The sink had close to 5’ of counter space.  The bath and toilet room was quite spacious.  The bath doorjamb was 27.5” at narrowest, the toilet 18” high, 31” toilet front to tub, 13.5” tub side.  The shower faucet was difficult to work.  I managed with a little difficulty to get the handheld shower down for myself before getting in the tub.  I could suggest having a fold down ironing board so that a disabled person could use it.  Atop the bed were 3 reasonable pillows, the bed 26” high was ok, but in the morn there was a definite dip in it.  We would have been more comfortable if we could have got the room temp a degree or two cooler and with a little air movement.  We both like to sleep cool and with air flow. 
     Once again, breakfast was a grab bag.  Check-out noon.

Day 3:  The Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conde_McCullough_Memorial_Bridge ) across Coos Bay at the north entrance of North Bend is so magnificent, I had to drive back up to the David Dewitt Veterans Memorial to get a good photo of it.  From there we traveled south again and stopped at the Bay Area travel info center, hoping to get a map.  They had a nice one of the area (North Bend, Coos Bay, Charleston, and the state parks on Cape Arago highway).  There’s a lot more to North Bend and Coos Bay than you will ever realize as you drive Hwy 101 and quickly pass through their eastern edges.  Just behind the information center is an interesting train car in a glass structure (someone was rude enough to break a pane), a restroom that was open, and a playground in Simpson Park to let the kids stretch their legs and run or climb off some energy. 
    With the help of the map we headed for Empire Ramp and Pier, North Bend, to check out the accessible fishing pier and rest room.  Travel west on Newmark street for a pretty much straight shot.  On the way we bought our lunch at Subway, 2 footlongs for $10 special.  We love Subway.  We had some drinks, homemade cookies & Rice Krispie Treats, and other snacks, so it was the least expensive meal of the trip.  The accessible fishing pier at Empire is great.  There are a few picnic tables, a fish cleaning station, an accessible restroom (see photo).  It was windy, but most of the fishing piers we checked out on our trip were windy.
     Empire Boulevard becomes the Cape Arago Highway you travel to get to Charleston and beyond.  It’s a great drive:  beautiful, and well-worth the detour off Hwy 101.  Learn more about Charleston at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston,_Oregon and https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/charleston/ .  Another time I would like to check out the Charleston Marine Life Center   http://www.charlestonmarinelifecenter.com/ .
     Sunset Bay State Park has a great beach, picnic tables and grills, boat launch, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball (1 standard).  Their website says they not only have accessible restrooms, but showers as well (showers closed for COVID).  More info:  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=70
     Before you get to Shore Acres, there’s a Lighthouse Lookout for Cape Arago Lighthouse, which is not at Cape Arago State Park.  It’s out there, way out there, to the north, dimly seen in the fog when we went.  At Shore Acres State Park I picked up a great pamphlet from Oregon Parks and Rec called “Oregon Coast Lighthouses”.  It has a great map of the Oregon coast, showing the lighthouses and state parks.  They’ve included a picture and paragraph about each lighthouse.  Makes you want to make a lighthouse tour. Of course, you can’t climb any towers in a wheelchair, but it’s fun to see them.  See also https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/cape-arago-lighthouse/#.XvhjgGhKiM8
     Next was Shore Acres State Park, and the formal gardens.  Most of the Oregon State Parks that I am interested in visiting charge a $5/day parking fee ($30/year).  So we didn’t park at all of the parks, especially because I had so many I wanted to see all in one trip, there was hardly time to get out and look around.  But I wanted to see the formal gardens at Shore Acres, once belonging to a private estate, so I paid the $5 to park and wander. 
     We were delighted to see 4 deer in the field central to the park, which some parent allowed his/her child to chase, but eventually 3 deer returned.  While we appreciated the presence of deer, the deer fences and gates to keep them out of the formal gardens are vital.  It’s an impressive garden for us ordinary folks, though needing some TLC.  There are 3 main parts: the formal, the Japanese, and the rose garden.  The shrubs are labeled.  A multitude of varieties please the eye, but with a lot of rhododendrons, I would imagine the month of May might be marvelous.  I was too tired to make it to the rose garden, so it may have been remarkable in June. 
​     The “Shore Acres State Park” pamphlet there has a pretty nice map of the Cape Arago Highway (Hwy 540).  Weather protected pamphlets map out the garden and the rose species.  You can help support the care of the garden through the Friends of Shore Acres (a pamphlet explains that too).  In winter they put up holiday lights, and there’s an observation shelter to watch for whales December through June.  You can arrange to have a private event at Shore Acres, as well.  See also https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=68
     Just before the end of the line (Cape Arago State Park) is a Marine Mammal Viewpoint at Simpson Reef.  It’s a pretty thrilling view that my eyes and mind could capture better than my little phone camera:  sea lions hanging out at the beach of one of the rocky outcrops beyond the shore.  It would have been a good time to have my binoculars with me.
     Finally we reached Cape Arago State Park.  I guess you can hike down to tremendous tidepools, if you can hike.  There are picnic tables and group picnic shelters, fishing for able-bodied persons.  The restrooms (or at least one) were closed due to a major septic renovation that budget cuts have left for the hoped-for future recovery.  There’s not a lot that a person in a wheelchair can do but enjoy a picnic in a sort of natural setting.  Still, if you’ve come so far, you should at least come and see it to the end. 
     From there we pushed on to Bandon via the Seven Devils Road (access at Charleston).  It snakes through the forested hills (including clear cuts) for what seems like more miles than it is.  Google says it’s 22 miles and only 28 minutes.  Maybe because we were tired, that was a long 28 minutes.  But, we made it to our hotel:  Sunset Oceanfront Lodging.  We had eaten at Lord Bennett’s next door on a previous visit, and I wanted to try another restaurant, and decided on Edgewaters, down in Bandon.  They couldn’t seat us for some time, which gave us a chance to breathe, and then decided to check out the accessible fishing pier in Old Town Bandon.  It was again rather cool and breezy, rather late in the day, amidst the COVID, so there weren’t a lot of people around:  a great photo op, and maybe the best time to get a spot to throw out your crab pots.  Some crabbers were there and successful.  The restrooms were open, and accessible.  It’s fascinating to watch the seagulls hover in mid-air, just from the sea breezes.
     Edgewaters had a nice view of the Coquille Lighthouse, and was right on the water.  The deck is enclosed and furnished with flaming heaters, but down a step from the main restaurant.  Warm bread and butter along with our drinks kept us until dinner came.  The steak was tender and done right, its accompanying salad was large and much more a delight for the eyes and palate than your average dinner salad, with jicama and carrot strings and other interesting things.  The mashed potatoes were smooth and flavorful, and the roasted vegetables were summer squashes with onions.  The Cobb Salad was enormous and I took half of it back to our room for the next day.  The cheesecake was good, as well.  With tip, but no alcoholic beverages, it costed me $100 for the meal.
     Our roomy room at Sunset Oceanfront Lodging was part of the cliff addition.  It was a spectacular view with a 4’ balcony the width of the room (plastic chairs you could sit on the balcony).  The room was a very pleasant bright décor with a table & 4 chairs and a recliner with reading light.  It had big drawers, a bigger than ordinary garbage can, good size frig with a freezing compartment that froze water for me, small MW, and the usual amenities.  I liked having flooring other than carpet.  A heater and extra blankie offered warmth if we had needed it, but I guess the AC was ocean breezes.  Maybe they don’t have bugs that fly in, but there were no screens on the window or sliding door.  The nearest ice was below stairs.  The beds (2 queens, as usual) were 24” high.  The bathroom was nice and roomy with a pocket door (so much easier to manage than a door that swings).  The bottom of the mirror above the sink was about 45” high, so I could have used a little lower reflection.  The towels were mostly within reach.  The toilet was 18” high, but you had to reach 26” to flush it (backwards flush handle).  The shower was a roomy 57” x 32” if the helper needs to get in with the disabled person.  But if you try to shower on your own, you have to have someone put the handheld shower where you can reach it, and reach past the curtain to turn on the water for you once you are seated (and off when you are done).  You might bring a shower chair, because the little shower bench was only 18” x 11” (up against the walls), and 13” from the edge (there’s a barrier about 5” high and 3” or so wide to keep the water in, and the wheelchair out).  It was a little scary transferring to and fro, and trying to hang on to the bars while washing.  Even though there was a non-slip mat for the shower, I put a towel down as an added safety precaution (and of course I must use a folded towel to sit on).
     The Hotel has a pool and spa, but they were closed for COVID, and of course it was just breakfast in a bag again.
 
Previous stays:

• Lord Bennetts restaurant, next to Sunset Oceanfront Lodging on Beach Loop Dr—call ahead, let them know if you are in a wheelchair so they can take you through an easier passage.  The restaurant is on the 2nd floor, and there is an elevator.  The staff was very accommodating.  The food was excellent, and not low priced.
• Best Western Inn at Face Rock, Beach Loop Dr—the rooms are barely maneuverable with a wheelchair.  If a wheelchair is involved, you will definitely need an ADA room.  No view of the ocean.  Wonderful handicapped accessible pool.  Great breakfast bar.  https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-bandon/best-western-inn-at-face-rock/propertyCode.38139.html
• Best Beach House in Bandon, is a rental where a group of us stayed right by Devils Kitchen State Park. Spacious and gracious.  When we stayed there were some wheelchair accessibility issues, which I noted to the owner, so they may have made some modifications.  https://www.facebook.com/Best-Beach-House-in-Bandon-1442396252715288/
• Bandon Farmer’s Market—quite a remarkable variety of vendors for such a small town.  Some travel quite a distance to be there.  Food, produce, arts & crafts.  See https://thebandonguide.com/bandon-farmers-market/

Day 4:  Very near our hotel were 3 astounding public views of the ocean, with some limited paved trails.  See photos and links below:

• Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Islands_National_Wildlife_Refuge
•  Face Rock Wayside/State Scenic Viewpoint  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_Rock_State_Scenic_Viewpoin and https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=47
• Devils Kitchen Oregon State Parks Vista Point  https://pages.uoregon.edu/mlclark/101/devils-kitchen.html    

​
     We’ll get back to Bandon, after a quick trip to Port Orford, below.
 
     On the way down Hwy 101 to Port Orford I hoped to at least get a glimpse of Cape Blanco Light house and Hughes House in Cape Blanco State Park.  But you couldn’t even get close before the road was blocked.  Very disappointing.  Closed for shortfalls in revenue.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=44
 
Port Orford is only a half hour (27 mi) south of Bandon, down Hwy 101.  It’s a small town.  https://www.portorford.org/ says “Welcome to Port Orford... the oldest town on the Oregon Coast and the most westerly in the 48 states. We are a working fishing port, with an active - and talented - art community, and a great place for visitors who want to enjoy spectacular natural beauty without the crowds.“  As you drive from the north, when the highway bends east through town, go straight up the street that invites you to the ocean for some spectacular views.  Make your way back down to the highway (you won’t get lost) and follow it east to the Battle Rock Historic Wayside for more spectacular views, viewing benches, an interesting art garden, signs of history, and the visitor center (which unfortunately was closed due to COVID). 
     Google guided us to the Port of Port Orford, as the signage was not over-obvious.  From Battle Rock Wayside Park, get back on Hwy 101 going west to Harbor Dr and follow it as it turns into Dock Road.  You will come to the Port of Port Orford.  There are some visitor parking spots, but due to COVID they are calling the Port closed to visitors.  It is really a working fishing port.  It’s not obvious where they intend the “accessible fishing pier” to be, but apparently at the end of the dock.  There is a restroom labeled handicapped on the dock, and an eatery.  The two visiting fishermen I spoke to both said it’s always windy there, and suggested I go somewhere else.  I was intrigued with Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips (and burgers & other fast food), but we didn’t try it.  The photos and posts they have on their FB site are interesting and sometimes quite unusual.   https://www.facebook.com/The-Crazy-Norwegians-Fish-Chips-139674942743895/
     See also info about Port Orford Heads State Park (only vault toilet and exhibit info indicated as accessible) https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=43
At the Tseriadun State Recreation site (called by locals Agate Beach) only the flush toilet is said to be accessible.  Garrison Lake is right next to the ocean beach there.   See https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=200 A third state park for Port Orford is Paradise Point State Recreation Site, just northwest of oddly shaped Garrison Lake—nothing noted as accessible, “A parking area with an expansive coastal vista stretching from Port Orford Heads to Orfords offshore reef and distant Cape Blanco and the lighthouse there. The beach is great for beachcombing; it's not unusual to find floats and agates here.”  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=42
     Cape Blanco State Airport is at Sixes, OR (a little north of Port Orford), a “Domestic airport”.  Floras Lake State Natural Area is beyond that, accessible by foot on a 1.5 mile trail, or by car from Floras Lake Road, off Hwy 101.  Boice-Cope County Park is at the northeast corner of the lake.  More info at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floras_Lake
 
  South of Port Orford are:
--Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve--this site has more info about things to do and see around Port Orford, as well as info about experiencing the reserve on the water and below the surface: https://www.redfishrocks.org/visitor-resources/experience-the-reserve/ 
--Humbug Mountain State Park “Coastline park offering equipped sites to campers, including hikers, windsurfers & scuba divers, good for kids . . . wheelchair accessible entrance.”  The state site says there’s accessible camping, picnicking, restroom and shower.  Check the site for what’s currently open.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=40
 
We headed back up to Bandon, and got some photos in Bullards Beach State Park just north of town.  It’s a great place.  Ordinarily there’s accessible camping, yurts, picnic tables, viewing, restroooms and showers.  It has reservable facilities and a dump station.  For able bodied folk there’s hiking, an amphitheater, biking, boat launch, fishing, horse trails, beach, and it’s open year round.  See their site to see what is open at present: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=50 At the end of the road is the Coquille Lighthouse, closed for COVID.  It’s a small one, but they all look small from far away.
 
More around Bandon:

• Bandon Beach Riding Stables on Beach Loop Drive, not accessible for those confined to wheelchairs https://tourism.bandon.com/list/member/bandon-beach-riding-stables-bandon-59  
• Bandon Dunes Golf Resort,  https://www.bandondunesgolf.com/  north of town
• Bandon Crossings Golf,  just north of Bandon https://www.bandoncrossings.com/ south of town
• West Coast Safari, south of Bandon https://www.westcoastgameparksafari.com/

 
     As we made our way north on Hwy 101 toward home, we stopped to try to see something at Winchester Bay Viewing Point, and couldn’t make out much except some rock jetties.  But the stonework at the viewing point is appealing.
     Then there was the little detour to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, which was open, even the museum.  I hope we can go there again and spend some quality time. See https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=83  
     Just keep going north on the Lighthouse Road until it meets into Salmon Harbor Drive, which takes you into Winchester Bay.  There’s one more accessible fishing pier at Winchester Point:  the sign says Windy Cove County Park, Crab Dock.  There’s a small parking fee, vault toilets labeled accessible, and yes, a long pier you can wheel onto.  A park you can picnic is right next, with picnic tables and grill.
     Continuing east on Salmon Harbor Drive you’ll pass some Douglas County campgrounds, including restrooms and playgrounds and such facilities.  See

• http://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/brochures/WindyCoveABrochure.pdf and
• http://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/brochures/WindyCoveBBrochure.pdf       

     A left turn onto Beach Blvd takes you into the little town of Winchester Bay with eateries and other tourist grabbers, and marinas with boat wash, and eventually the Coast Guard station at the end of the road. 
     Salmon Harbor Drive meets up with Hwy 101, which soon comes into Reedsport.  I mentioned Reedsport at the end of our Whale Watching trip https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/whale-watching-at-depoe-bay .           We didn’t explore much of Reedsport, as we were worn out and anxious to get home.  But the Umpqua Discovery Center sounds interesting, and the annual chainsaw carving championships https://www.oregonccc.com/ . 
     Of course, we stopped at the well-appointed Dean Creek Wildlife Area (with nice accessible flushing restrooms, as well as benches, and info) to see the elk, but they are not always amenable to viewing. See

• https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Dean%20Creek%20Elk%20Viewing%20Area.pdf  and
• https://myodfw.com/dean-creek-elk-viewing-area-visitors-guide         

     Once again we drove home via Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River to Eugene, this time stopping to eat a late lunch at Monroe Park (a nice family-looking park with playground, picnic tables, quiet street parking, etc.), and at last north on I-5 til we reached the suburbs of Portland. 
     We covered a lot of landscape, and we were exhausted. But our interest was whetted, and when we return to the Southern Oregon Coast we’ll know where we want to spend more--and more relaxed--vacation time.

“Oxbow Regional Park provides a perfect launch point for swimming, kayaking, rafting or fishing in the majestic Sandy River Gorge.”  It’s a great place to picnic, camp, and play.
 
Travel 15 minutes east of Portland on I-84, you’ll pass quickly through the outskirts of Troutdale and principally notice the Columbia Gorge Outlet mall  https://shopcolumbiagorgeoutlets.com/  Troutdale is Gateway to the Columbia Gorge, including the Historic Columbia River Highway which offers access to so many of the gorge-ous waterfalls, the Mount Hood Scenic Byway . . . it sounds like just a place to pass by on your way somewhere else.
 
But if you get off the fast lane freeway at exit 17, head toward Graham Road where you’ll turn right/south—pass (or after a stop at) the Outlet Mall, up the hill and turn left/east under the arched Gateway into quaint and historic Troutdale—you’re on the Historic Columbia River Highway, which has its own sights to see, another day or days.  Google will guide you from center of town (or the freeway, or home, if you like) through the countryside, field and farm, to Oxbow Regional Park.
 
Just before you enter the actual Park, you’ll see YMCA Camp Collins, which offers retreats, group reservations, and summer camps.  You’ll be warned that no pets or alcohol are allowed in Oxbow Park. Smoking and vaping are also not allowed, nor drones and other remote-controlled vehicles, nor hunting, of course.
 
Once you pass the pay station, you’ll see the Welcome Center on the right, where there’s an outdoor map sign and brochures to reconnoiter your visit.  We went on a no fee day, third Thursday of the month.  The park’s website gives the free Metro parking days, as well as other valuable information about floating/boating the river, see https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/oxbow-regional-park   The Welcome Center, restrooms, and playgrounds were closed for COVID-19 the day we went.
 
A few people were spending a partly rainy day in the park, and we were fortunate to be there mostly between scattered showers.  We delighted to see 3 deer recreationing on a green field and later walking along the road.  Through the trees I could glimpse the scenic Sandy River as I drove, but none of the trails looked too wheelchair accessible.  They were narrow, had puddles, and some were steeply hilled.
 
There are picnic tables with grills and garbage cans, some have water faucets.  Vault toilets here and there offer relief (in ordinary times), and near the playgrounds are flushing restrooms.  When groups can gather again, group picnic shelters can be reserved.  There is access to the river, with words of wisdom assigned, and a few life jackets one could borrow. 
 
“Be safe, have fun!  Tragic water accidents happen quickly.  Make your visit safe and pleasant.

• If you enter the water, wade in slowly.  Shallow water in the Sandy River deepens quickly. 
• Currents are fast and unpredictable.  Even shallow water can knock you over and carry you away.
• Rocks are very slippery when wet.  Do not run. 
• Maintain constant supervision of children, even in shallow water.”

 
The campground was closed, but at the entrance the sign shows a tent and a camper, and says,

• Overnight use only [in other words the campground is for campers, not just picnicking]
• Check-in time is 2pm.  Check out time is at noon.
• If you have reservations, check in at the Welcome Center.
• If you don’t have reservations, pick a campsite with a green available tag and bring the tag to the Welcome Center to register.  These sites are available for one night only.

 
A sign further into the entrance of the campground gives more Rules and Information, such as “Campsites may be reserved up to nine months in advance.  Call 1-800-452-568 or visit www.oregonmetro.gov/oxbow”, and “Do not feed the wildlife”, as well as “No firewood gathering or cutting allowed.  Fallen and dead wood provides habitat and food for plants and animals . . . Firewood is available . . . [for] purchase “, and “In case of Emergency use pay phone located on porch of park office (at park entry).  911 calls can be made free of charge.”
 
Down at the boat ramp are signs with more information, warnings, and rules.  “Fishing is open year-round on the Sandy River for [pictured] species when available.  Valid fishing license and combined angling tag required.”  There’s even a chart showing when different species are available. The rocky shore of the river is not inviting for wheelchair fishing.
 
A nice picnic table and grill are right there by the boat ramp, and easy access for able-bodied folk to the water over a rather rocky beach.  More signs offer words of wisdom and warnings, such as, “Caution swimmers, water is extremely cold.  High water, swift currents.”  Life jackets to borrow and an emergency life ring are hanging from the signs.
 
Come take a look, bring a picnic, pick a camp spot to reserve, plan a fishing or floating day . . . vacate your cares on a Woods and Water vacation!

More info on Troutdale, OR
Annual Events April, May, July, August, September, December, and on-going
https://www.troutdaleoregon.gov/rec/page/annual-events 

Other Recreation nearby

• Lewis & Clark State Recreational Site--"Popular 54-acre swim spot on the Sandy River with hiking, picnic areas, boat launch & fishing."  Paths, picnic tables, info signs may be accessible, not restrooms, swimming, or fishing, boating.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=116
• Dabney State Recreation Area--"Park on 138 acres with river sports, nature walks, picnic tables, bike trails & a disc golf course."  No restrooms, nothing indicated as handicapped accessible.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=110 
• Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint--architectural interest (Vista House), and exceptional view of the Columbia Gorge.  Accessible parking, view, exhibit.   https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=119 

The Garden at Shore Acres State Park, OR (coast)
see Day 3 my post at   https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/florence-to-port-orford-dune-buggies-and-bandon-by-the-sea-s-oregon-coast

​
Photos below from Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens, Brush Prairie, WA

Travel by video!  Restrictions due to COVID-19 put a crimp in my ability to provide 1st hand experiences with these gardens.  Those that were open may not have open restrooms and other amenities to investigate.  Yet for each of these gardens I was able to find videos.  The accompanying pictures are from my visit to NatureScaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens. Over the years I have visited Crystal Springs, the Grotto, Lan Su Chinese Garden (my pictures are not as wonderful as the videos below), but following are public Gardens to Delight, videos, and links . . .

1. International Rose Test Garden, Portland
2. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Portland
3. Duniway Park Lilac Garden, Portland
4. Leach Botanical Garden, Portland
5. The Grotto, Portland
6. Elk Rock Garden, Portland
7. (Chinese & Japanese Gardens, Portland—Link to other posts)
8. Rogerson Clematis Garden, West Linn, OR
9. Campbell Native Garden, Lake Oswego, OR
10. Adelman Peony Gardens, Salem, OR
11. Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, Salem, OR
12. Gaiety Hollow, Salem, OR
13. Deepwood Museum & Gardens, Salem, OR
14. Bush’s Pasture Park, Salem, OR
15. The Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR near Salem
16. These and more at “16 Gardens to Explore … near Salem, Oregon”
17. Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens, Brush Prairie, WA
18. Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, Woodland, WA
19. Many arboretums are also botanical gardens.  See  https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/trees-to-see-in-the-pacific-nw

International Rose Test Garden, Washington Park, Portland, OR, from 1917, ordinarily open daily, free
400 SW Kingston Ave
Fountain, gift shop, paved paths (a ramp improving accessibility was constructed in 2017), pay to park (limited parking, free seasonal shuttle), statuary/public art.  Guided and self-guided tours, views, amphitheater, reservable wedding site
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=viewpark&propertyid=1113
 
A 2 minute video overview, including mention of a 2017 ADA ramp, by the Oregonian News
Captions included.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC1fpml1250&t=4s
 
A 3 minute video highlighting the curator & care.  The garden’s 100 year anniversary.  By the Oregonian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOvE7bAbIlM
 
A 3 minute video, with how to get there and other valuable tips (not great sound)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrhfPGPk6oE
 
A 10 minute video with historical and other information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NgeHehifkk
 
A nearly 15 minute video with music, no verbal explanations, shows the paved paths (including some stairs), as well as the gardens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MuX-kRrUL0&list=PLyH-PcfbSzx2IEeeoYEJjl-RRwW4Zy8IW
 
 
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, 9.5 acres, open daily, $5 admission Wed-Sun Mar-Labor Day, closed for COVID-19;  Mother’s Day Sale is online
5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland
gatehousecsrg@gmail.com   •  (503) 267-7509
https://www.crystalspringsgardenpdx.org/
Landscaped with small lakes, fountains, little water falls, paved & unpaved paths.  If you want to feed the ducks and geese, bring quality poultry feed.  If you are in a manual wheelchair, a helper is advised.
 
3 minute video by OPB, Oregon Field Guide
https://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/segment/portland-oregon-crystal-springs-rhododendron-garden/
 
3.5 minute video by Garden Time TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aalZYNgshf4
 
 
Duniway Park Lilac Garden, 14 acres, from 1918
SW 6th Ave and Sheridan Street, Portland
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?&action=ViewPark&propertyid=44
Paved paths, picnic tables, soccer field, track, horseshoes, accessible restrooms.  1 hour free parking enforced.
 
13 minute video done by station KATU, not a lot of info, but beautiful lilacs, May 2020
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=326916788282537&ref=watch_permalink
 
Leach Botanical Garden, 16 acres, free/donations, closed Mondays
604 SE 122nd Ave, Portland
https://leachgarden.org/
Limited wheelchair accessibility, no pets, no smoking/no vaping.  Ordinarily hosts annual events.  Garden is open, but restrooms, gift shop etc. closed for COVID-19.   Meanwhile, fun & educational activities are posted weekly. https://leachgarden.org/fun-activities-may-16/
 
6.5 minute video done by Garden Time TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wuUES-XD_w
 
The Grotto, 62 acres, from 1924, $8 to see the upper garden, youth $4.50, under 5 free. 
8840 NE Sidmore St, Portland
Main entrance NE 85th Ave & Sandy Boulevard
https://thegrotto.org/visit/
Catholic sanctuary and gardens, but open to all.  Closed for COVID-19.  The Christmas season is a wondrous and popular time to see the garden all alight with celebration, including musical events.  Lower level free, buy an elevator token for the upper gardens.
 
A well-done 7 minute video view with music; beautiful garden & shrines from different cultures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lujq-2xDA
 
Elk Rock Garden (aka The Garden of the Bishop’s Close), 13 acres, from 1916
11800 SW Military Lane, Portland
https://www.elkrockgarden.org/
Operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Portland.  Open to the public.  No public restrooms. Limited parking.  No picnics or lawn games.  Dogs on leash and clean-up required.  Closed for COVID-19.  1.5 minute video and photo galleries on their site. 
 
Lan Su Chinese Garden
See https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/chinatown-portland-or 
 
Portland’s Japanese Garden
See future post about Portland’s Japanese venues. https://www.travelpacificnw.com/destinations-in-the-pacific-northwest.html
 
Rogerson Clematis Garden, 2 acres around historic farmhouse
Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Rd, West Linn, OR
Phone 9771.777.4394             info@rogersonclematiscollection.org
https://www.rogersonclematiscollection.org/
Clematis for nearly every climate and condition, grown in combination with other garden species.   “Paths in and through the Garden are made of compacted gravel and are firm, flat and stable. They are accessible to most people, including those pushing strollers and using walkers or motorized chairs. Dogs or other pets on fixed-length leashes (not retractable leashes) are welcome on our paths. No pets are allowed in the greenhouse or sales terrace unless they can be carried.”  Part of the Lake Oswego Park & Rec system.  Ordinarily group tours available ($10/person, minimum 8 people).  Classes available.
 
A 4.5 minute video by Garden Time TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6LnVmFOla0
 
A 20 minute video guided tour with Mt. Hood Territory Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KAdtoAI6sQ
 
Campbell Native Garden, .5 acre
2750 Iron Mountain Blvd (across from Iron Mountain Park), Lake Oswego, OR
503-675-2549
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campbell-Native-Gardens/106209589435135
All native garden.  Doesn’t look very wheelchair accessible. 
 
A 3 minute video by Garden Time TV 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGzHQ3e8DAE
 
Adelman Peony Gardens
5690 Brooklake Rd. NE, Salem OR
503-393-6185
https://peonyparadise.com/about-us.aspx   and  https://peonyparadise.com/visitinginfoandmap.aspx
A family farm and business.  Visitors welcome during blooming time.  Open House May 1 to June 15, 9am to 6pm daily.  Peak blooming is usually about Memorial Day.  They are open May 2020.
 
A 4.5 minute video by Garden Time TV, May 14, 2020;  they also did videos for this place other years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4wdVML2Vzs
 
A 12 minute video on on their site and Youtube Adleman Peony Gardens
https://youtu.be/ePEYSs_nuW4
 
 
Schreiner’s Iris Gardens
3625 Quinaby Road NE, Salem, OR
503-393-3232 or 800-525-2367
https://www.schreinersgardens.com/about-schreiners 
“In early May each year, we open our 10-acre display gardens to the public. Make a tour of Schreiner's Iris Gardens one of your springtime traditions. During bloom season, our display gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine. Parking $5/car.”
 
A 1 minute video May 10, 2020, Mother’s Day at Schreiner’s Gardens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=iCSiJMscXAM&feature=emb_logo
 
A 3.5 minute video May 12, 2020, Iris Gardens and Companion Plants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=N5SxnET7Otw&feature=emb_logo
 
Gaiety Hollow
545 Mission Street SE, Salem OR
(971) 600-6987                  email: info@lordschryver.org
http://www.lordschryver.org/gaiety-hollow.html
Closed for COVID-19, see virtual tour:
A 13 minute video, with historic information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjBbSyBrdcc&feature=emb_title
 
Deepwood Museum & Gardens, built 1893-4
1116 Mission St. SE, Salem, OR
503-363-1825     info@DeepwoodMuseum.org
https://deepwoodmuseum.org/              
Closed for COVID-19
     “Call or check our events calendar for occasional scheduled closures. All tours are designed to be family friendly and include an optional scavenger hunt for children. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and depart at the top of the hour. The Solarium on the front porch of the house provide a lovely place to wait for the next tour time.
     “In order to maintain our historic structures and gardens in their original forms, some of our spaces are not wheelchair accessible. These areas include: the interior of the historic house and Carriage house. There are approximately 9 steps to get from ground level to the front porch, and a full set of stairs on the interior of the home to get to the second floor.
     "All of the historic garden spaces are accessible via long winding paths. Please call us for information on how to get the most out of your visit."
 
Deepwood Museum & Gardens videos
https://m.facebook.com/pg/deepwoodmuseum/videos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0
 
Bush’s Pasture Park, 91 acres, built 1878
555 Liberty ST SE RM 325, Salem OR
503-588-6261     parksandrecreation@cityofsalem.net
https://www.cityofsalem.net/bushs-pasture-park
Park, museum, botanical garden, stage, restrooms, 3 playgrounds, walking/running paths, baseball, tennis, horseshoes, amphitheater, reservable areas, official Soap Box Derby Track
A 1.5 minute video by cctvsalem  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7YDrgf5_E
 
The Oregon Garden, 80 acres, $12 adults (free if you are staying at the resort)
879 W. Main St., Silverton, OR
503-874-8100
https://www.oregongarden.org/   includes a great video that will get you excited to go!
     "A stunning, 80-acre botanical garden, featuring more than 20 specialty gardens showcasing the diverse botanical beauty of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. We have educational specialty gardens for everyone, from the Sensory Garden and Rose Garden to the Children’s Garden and Pet-Friendly Garden. On site is a visitor center and gift shop as well as a nursery to buy plants for your home that were grown right here in the garden. We have 4 miles of ADA paths, and we are pet-friendly."
     “Silverton is a city in Marion County, Oregon, United States. The city is situated along the 45th parallel about 12 miles northeast of Salem, in the eastern margins of the broad alluvial plain of the Willamette Valley.”  Wikipedia
 
“16 Gardens to Explore … near Salem, Oregon”
https://www.travelsalem.com/blog/16-gardens-to-explore-near-salem-oregon
 
NatureScaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens, free, open daily dawn to dusk.
11000 NE 149th St.
Brush Prairie, WA
360-737-1660
http://www.naturescaping.org/gardens.php
Nine themed gardens, including NW natives. Picnic tables, paths ok for wheelchairs in good weather.  Open during COVID-19, with social distancing.  See photos accompanying this post.  Videos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pg/naturescapingswwa/videos/?ref=page_internal
 
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, $5, under 12 free, open 10-4 daily
115 S. Pekin Rd, Woodland, WA
360-225-8996
https://lilacgardens.com/
Closed for COVID-19.  Photo gallery on their site.  Farmhouse, giftshop, tours, etc. Annual Lilac Days festival (23 days up to and including Mother’s Day) had to be cancelled in 2020.  Ordinarily available for Weddings and Events.  Nice wide paved paths. 
     "Just inside the gate are brochures with information about the Gardens. Restrooms are located near the water tower and the gift shop. The Gardens cover 4 acres including the Gardens, Gift Shop, Plant Sales Area, Potting Shed and Hulda’s Historic Home. Amount of time spent at the Gardens will vary by group. Because we are a nonprofit, everyone pays sales tax – no Oregon tax exemption. The $5 admission is all inclusive and includes tax.     
     "No food is available at the Gardens, however, visitors may bring their own lunches or snacks. There are picnic tables located around the gardens and several restaurants in Woodland. We do not reserve tables. Please put trash in waste cans located around the Gardens."
​
A 3 minute video with some historical information as well as views of the gardens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1vz6pFLeaA
 
A 3 minute video by Garden Time TV (compilation for COVID quarantine) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyuVTJt3Qww&list=RDCMUCuvlYdtnc30gDVdlX3uAVpQ&index=15

Arbor Day Dates Across America  https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/dates.cfm     
City Lot Arboretum, photos at right taken 4-8-20: 
​Arbor Day in Washington, Arbor Week in Oregon; and 4-24-20, National Arbor Day (a lot of change in 2 wks)
Scroll down for Arboretums in Oregon & Washington

Travel with me in your mind to the 100-acre wood, or Sherwood Forest, whichever matches your taste for adventure!  Can you see the trees for the forest?  Travel the wood-originated pages of literature:  A Poem (not) as Lovely as a Tree, The Giving Tree, Enchanted Forests, Mysterious and Magical forests, sometimes Dangerous--as for Snow White and Red Riding Hood.  Continue to the forests of Middle Earth or Narnia, the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, The Enchanted Wood where the Magic Faraway Tree lives.  Join some serious travels and travelers, or others with gentle humor.  But they are all engaging and entertaining. We’ll whistle like the Wind in the Willows, or weep with them—in sorrow or joy.
 
Let us sing the praises of trees, for In the Leafy Treetops the Birds Sing Good Morning.  We celebrate Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and sing O Tannenbaum in wonder at their fortitude.  We Tie our hopes with Yellow Ribbons ‘Round the Old Oak Tree.  Sometimes we Talk to the Trees when nobody else wants to hear, or when we don’t want anyone else to hear.  Tall Timber is Callin’ us to walk the wooded trails and hear how all nature sings, from the trees and their inhabitants to ourselves.  We sit Under the Apple Tree with our sweethearts, or make them shed tears with the carving of our love.
 
Trees have given us homes, as well as a great many other plant and animal species that are a part of our habitations, and the web of life.  From trees we have whittled ways to travel, ways to communicate, food to eat, protection from dangers.  Ancient forests still fuel our world.  They even provide us the Air That [we] Breathe!
 
And in this challenging time of travel restrictions, we can thankfully travel vicariously through video, to dream and plan for life after virus when those constraints will be lifted and we will all burst out of doors to recreate ourselves in the forests, the woods, the Arboretums that celebrate the beauty, the endurance, the interconnecting of them with our culture and historic economy--especially here in the Pacific Northwest. 
 
Ancient Gingko Forest turned to stone:  https://parks.state.wa.us/288/Ginkgo-Petrified-Forest
and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_Petrified_Forest_State_Park
 
Where to find petrified wood in Oregon:  https://oregondiscovery.com/petrified-wood
 
Following are Arboretums in Oregon, and in Washington:
 
Arboretums in Oregon, from south to north
 
Skyrman Central Point Arboretum
This is a city park in Central Point, near Medford, OR.
https://www.centralpointoregon.gov/parksrec/page/skyrman-central-point-arboretum
 
Mount Pisgah Arboretum, 209 acres, free
near Eugene/Springfield, OR
http://www.mountpisgaharboretum.org/
Trails are not ADA, but you may be able to manage with a helper.  Two restrooms are said to be ADA.
 
Peavy Arboretum (OSU), 40 acres, free
Corvallis, OR
https://cf.forestry.oregonstate.edu/our-forests/arboretum
     "Peavy Arboretum has served as an outdoor teaching lab for generations of children and adults, and is a welcoming place for visitors interested in a picnic by the pond or a long hike in the moutains.  Its history is rich, and the land still shows evidence of use by the Kalapuya people, the Oregon State Forest Nursery, and the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Arboretum.  Currently, the Arboretum hosts trailheads and walking paths open to the public, the George Brown Logging Sports Arena, and the OSU Research Forests Business Office.  Arboretum maintenance is funded entirely by timber harvested on the OSU Research Forests."
     Sat May 30, 2020 Get Outdoors Day, Peavy would have hosted a free event, which had to be cancelled for this year.  It would have had parking at the HS, w/shuttle
“Getting Around the Event with a Disability
     For folks attending Get Outdoors Day who live with disabilities, we want to make sure you enjoy the event too! Ask the welcome tent and we'll send a shuttle to transport you between activities or have it arranged so you may drive in your own vehicle.”
     For more information, call the OSU Extension Service at (541)766-6750 or email maggie.livesay@oregonstate.edu
 
Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas OR, west of Salem
http://www.delberthunterarboretum.org/
Contiguous with Dallas City Park.  Wetlands, stream, rock gardens, rare shrubs and flowers, alpine plants, native northwest plants and trees, benches . . .
 
Bush's Pasture Park, 91 acres, built 1878
Salem, OR
https://www.cityofsalem.net/bushs-pasture-park
“lush, wooded areas and open meadows.  Bring friends for . . . Frisbee, or bring the kids to enjoy any of the playgrounds, including the Crooked House Playground.  There are many trails that are perfect for walking, jogging, or running at whatever pace you prefer.  Enjoy the Rhododendron and Rose Gardens.  Play tennis at one of the four lighted tennis courts.  Visit the Bush House Museum or the Bush Art Center and gallery, home of the annual Salem Art Fair.”  Baseball fields, horseshoes, reservable, restrooms, stage.
 
Leach Botanical Garden, free (donations encouraged)
Portland, OR
https://leachgarden.org/
Offers classes & events, summer theater camps, opportunities to volunteer and internships.
Website has a newsletter with more information.
 
Hoyt Arboretum, almost 200 acres, free, free tours on Saturdays and Sundays
Portland, OR
https://www.hoytarboretum.org/
     Hoyt Arboretum Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/HoytArboretumFriends/posts/learn-about-the-fascinating-story-of-the-dawn-redwood-a-tree-with-a-very-special/2431854513533277/
     This informative 7 minute video by Access Recreation is very good, not just for the disabled.
          https://vimeo.com/124194044
      A 7 min video of the 90th Anniversary, by Garden Time, Apr 11, 2018
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq1bNDnQftw
      A 3 min video of the 90th anniversary, by KGW News, Apr 12, 2018
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE6ndzq8QKs
Lots of private persons have also posted videos of the Hoyt Arboretum. 
 
Columbia Children's Arboretum, 27 acres
Portland, OR
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?propertyid=15&action=ViewPark
Arboretum and natural area.
 
Oregon Trail Arboretum, free
Echo, OR
http://www.echo-oregon.com/arboretum.html
Across from the elementary school.  Over 100 trees and shrubs, older ones labeled.  Gazebo and interpretive panels. 
 
 
Arboretums in Washington,
​roughly south to north
 
Wind River Arboretum, est 1912
Carson, WA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/26075
     Oldest arboretum in the Northwest.  “The initial objective was to test the suitability of trees from all parts of the world for [planting  west of the Cascades in Oregon & Washington].”  Later the objectives have been broadened.
      "The Wind River is best known for its old-growth forests of Coast Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock. Other species include Western Redcedar and Pacific Silver Fir, Grand Fir, and Noble Fir. Understory trees include Pacific Yew, Vine Maple, Pacific Dogwood, and Red Alder. Much of the forest is more than 400 years old."  Wikipedia
 
Washinton State University Arboretum, 100 acres
Pullman, WA
http://www.arboretum.wsu.edu/
Goals include providing a landscape to experience science, develop appreciation of the Palouse, show how art, science, and culture interact.  It is to be a teaching and research arboretum, national bear center, wild herbivore center, a raptor center, and a story circle.  They have a science blog with some great photos at https://wsu-nature.org/  Contact them about hiking/visiting/tours email rdsayler@wsu.edu <rdsayler@wsu.edu 
 
John A. Finch Arboretum, 65 acres, free
Spokane, WA
https://my.spokanecity.org/urbanforestry/programs/finch-arboretum/
Download a Walking Guide for a self-guided tour.  Seasonal activities year-round, tours available.  Call the Arboretum at 509.363.5466.
 
Yakima Area Arboretum, 46 acres
Yakima, WA
https://www.ahtrees.org/
Nature walk, garden classes, Nature Preschool, Nature Day Camp, orienteering, rentals for events, field trip, etc.  Jewett Interpretive Center & restrooms wheelchair accessible.  Grounds are mostly flat, tended lawn similar to a golf greens.  You can reserve a golf cart for an hour for free.  509-248-7337
For great Yakima links:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sh/4902KvS
 
Lake Wilderness Arboretum, free
Maple Valley, WA
https://www.lakewildernessarboretum.org/
Spring 2020 plant sale cancelled, fall 2020 plant sale in Sept to include vendors and more plants.  Five display gardens, Tribal Life Trail, 2nd growth forest.  March annual Hellebore Tea at the Lake Wilderness Lodge.  Events can be arranged.
 
South Seattle College Arboretum, 5 acres, free
Seattle, WA
https://southseattle.edu/campus-arboretum
Borders Seattle Chinese Garden.  Lab and outdoor classroom, as well as a garden for the community. 
 
Washington Park Arboretum, Pacific Connections Gardens, free
Seattle
https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum/gardens/pacific-connections-garden/
"Wouldn’t it be great if you could travel through Cascadia, Australia, China, Chile and New Zealand all in one day?"     https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum/
 
Bellevue Botanical Garden, 53 acres
Bellevue, WA
https://bellevuebotanical.org/
Cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, natural wetlands.  “Bellevue Botanical Garden displays the best plants and gardening practices for healthy, beautiful Northwest gardens. Visitors are encouraged to participate in Garden volunteerism, events and programs that are engaging, educational and inspiring.”
 
Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, 3.5 acres, free
Everett, WA
http://www.evergreenarboretum.com/
10 themed gardens, sculptures...ADA paths. “Showcasing northwest plants since 1963 . . . Year around docent tours are available to groups of any size. Please plan your tour one month in advance and make an appointment by contacting us at contactus@evergreenarboretum.com or call 425-257-8597.”  Virtual tours/slideshows on the website.
 
Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens, part of the Pilchuck Learning Center
Stanwood, WA (between Marysville and Burlington)
http://www.plc215.org/
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/BonhoefferBotanicalGardens
“We are located at the northbound Exit 215 Locationof the I-5 Freeway, 49 minutes north of Seattle.  View NW Native Plants: indigenous trees, shrubs, vines, and ferns along with grass, moss, mushroom, pond, flower and groundcover species within 3 types of wetlands in a remnant of the destroyed West Fork of Church Creek.  The Gardens are intended to serve as an outdoor educational and recreational resource for the coming generations and contain 3/4 miles of a continuous accessible path. The latter hosts 16 interpretive rainy-day kiosks that provide information about native flora, as well as local and natural history.  Kiosks’ roofs are planted to attract butterfly species requiring specific native as larva hosts and native birds.”
 
Sehome Hill Arboretum, 175 acres, 2nd growth forest
Bellingham, WA, next to Western Washington University
https://www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/Pages/sehome-arboretum.aspx
Trails, native mature tree canopy, old quarry, geological outcrop, observation tower lends sweeping view of the city and the Bay.  6 miles of trails.

  A Little Time Traveling
Travel to and through Fort Vancouver, WA was near at hand, as Lewis and Clark with their Corps of Discovery canoed the Columbia on their way to the Pacific Ocean in 1805.  There they built a fort (Clatsop), stayed 3 months of miserable winter, and seemed only too glad to pull up stakes and head back east in the spring. 
 
Fur traders weren’t far behind, as (Fort) Astoria was founded in 1811, not far by car from Fort Clatsop.  Hudson’s Bay Company acquired Astoria (named it Fort George), and decided to set up another shop further inland:  Fort Vancouver, est. 1825 (1829 present site). 
 
Fort Vancouver became a grand central station for trade and travelers—furs, fishing, food, timber, and a supply depot for Oregon Trailers headed for the famed and fertile Willamette Valley.  General Ulysses S. Grant, 18th US President served a couple years at Fort Vancouver in the 1850s, long before he was so well-known.
 
Various Events
We can travel there in considerably more comfort, less time, and live vicariously through nearly 200 years of US history, and more.  Come to the reconstructed Fort to see it re-enacted and retold.  It’s not expensive, but look on my Travel Tips page for free days (Federal Parks).  The Fort has been the venue for lots of living and learning . . . from watching 4th of July fireworks to costumed history demonstrations & encampments to archeology digs for kids. 
 
February 29, 2020 I attended a lecture on Buffalo Soldier Moses Williams, whose life came to a lonely close at Fort Vancouver.  He had a 30 year long and distinguished career in the Army, through the Indian Wars (between the Civil War and the 1890s), was transferred to Fort Stevens (near Fort Clatsop and Astoria) the last few years of his service, and chose to retire at Fort Vancouver.  At the time, Astoria had less than 10 black people, Vancouver only 10 (until Company B of the Twenty-fourth U.S. Infantry Regiment was stationed at Fort Vancouver), Portland had about 700.   But Fort Vancouver offered a place he could live, and a military hospital.  See https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/news/moseswilliams2020.htm and https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/buffalosoldiers.htm
 
Unfortunately, I missed Native Arts Day in Oct 2019.  In 2015 I attended the Fort’s “National Get Outdoors Day” event with lots of booths, activities, foods, and the 1840s Brigade Encampment.  In other years there have been Vintage Baseball (including the firing of a Howitzer), 1867 croquet, soirees, garden parties.  Lantern tours have been offered through the winter 2019-2020 (two more:  Mar 14 & 21 in 2020).  March 14, 2020 another free event will be offered, “160 Years of Women’s Suffrage in Washington Territory”.  May 16 Mt. St. Helens will be the topic, and I’ve been told you can get the 2020 “Volcano Review” there in May  to plan your visit to that mountain on its 40th anniversary of eruption.  To keep on top of events, see  https://www.friendsfortvancouver.org/events and the Events page of their Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/friendsoffortvancouver/
 
I recommend visiting the Fort’s website before you come, after you come, or if you can’t come.  There is so much to explore.  Look under “Plan Your Visit” for basic information and a link to the Calendar.  Under “Learn About the Park” there’s a virtual tour, as well as “History and Culture”,  You can find out about the People of different eras (click on their names to find out more), the Places that are a part of the park (Pearson Air Field & Museum down the hill from the Park’s Visitor Center, McLoughlin House in Portland).  https://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm
 
Accessibility
The Visitor Center has accessible paved parking, outdoor drinking fountain, and pleasant accessible restrooms.  It’s on a single floor, has some exhibits, kid activity, and a “book” store with all kinds of cool stuff to buy in support of the Friends of Fort Vancouver that bring so many great events to the fort.
 
There’s a little packed gravel path to the interesting Japanese memorial.
 
The Fort itself and the Pearson Air Museum are down a substantial hill from the Visitor Center. There’s a paved road that is fun to go down, not as fun to go up, in a manual wheelchair.  No problem by car.  If you go to the encampment with a manual wheelchair, bring a strong pusher. 
 
The parking by the Fort is gravel.  The trails between the Fort and the Air Museum are flat, but packed gravel, I believe (it was raining, so I didn’t even try to get close). The Village houses are quite a stroll/roll away on unpaved paths, and to wheel up over the land bridge to the Old Apple Tree Park requires a lot of muscle or motor. 
 
The Fort is somewhat accessible.  It’s useful to have an able-bodied partner.  The outdoor paths are ok, the tower is not accessible.  There was an old outdoor elevator into the main house when I’ve been there before.  The garden paths are not all too wide, but you can see most everything.

Astoria offers so much more than a half day stay.  I wanted to do the town right, as I didn’t have time when I was there July 2019.  My impetus to travel that way MLK weekend 2020 was to check out accessible fishing at nearby Coffenbury Lake, and I hoped to revisit Fort Clatsop and Fort Stevens as well.  For even more about Astoria, Fort Clatsop (Lewis and Clark National Historical Park), and Fort Stevens State Park (including the excellent campground and amenities), see https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/astoria-fort-stevens-fort-clatsop
 
Jan 18 we toured the town of Astoria to see the sites
Jan 19 we traveled the hills of Astoria admiring local architecture, and I rolled the Riverwalk
Jan 20 we made brief visits to Coffenbury Lake, Fort Clatsop, and Fort Stevens State Park
 
We stayed at Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel one night, and 2 nights at Hampton Inn & Suites.  I’ll talk a little about them at the end of this article.  We traveled home over the Astoria-Megler Bridge (not quite as spectacular as when skies are clear and bright), and east on Hwy 4 to Longview WA, thence south on I-5.  Hwy 4 added a half hour to the trip, vs Hwy 30.  But I always prefer to make a loop rather than go to and fro the same route.
 
Astoria sites:
Because the forecast was rainy, I tried to arrange my plans accordingly: indoor venues for rainy hours and outdoor venues when there was more hope for less wet weather.  We were very fortunate, and only got spotted a little, a time or two.  Mid-day Sunday we even saw sunshine and blue sky between the clouds!  It was beautiful.
 
Columbia River Maritime Museum—I visited July 2019.  See my blog post of 10-31-19
https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/astoria-fort-stevens-fort-clatsop
 
Heritage Museum, operated by Clatsop County Historical Society--$5 adults, $2 youth
Well worth the admission.  More perspectives on the first peoples who lived in the area, the fur trade that brought Astoria into being way back in 1811, more about the colorful history of Astoria and its development over the last 200+ years, even as a microcosm of US history.  They have a neat shop with books for different ages, and cute stuffed animals for all ages.  There you can ask questions, get information about what to see and do, and other venues. They have an elevator, a nice ramp, and a handicapped parking spot right by the ramp entrance on the south side of the building.  It’s scary—you are getting out in a lane of traffic.  But drivers were careful and courteous when we were there.
 
Hanthorn (Bumblebee) Cannery Museum at Pier 39—free
I was pleasantly pleased that this was free.  It’s rather rough, and as you drive over the old wooden pier, you hope they are keeping close tabs on the structure.  (There are many piers along the river that are NOT SAFE, so don’t let kids tempt tragedy by ignoring signs.)  But even though you may see great enlarged old photos at the Maritime Museum and elsewhere, to see the old machinery (even the old typewriter, etc.!), the boats and equipment and all up close gives another dimension to the memories.  They have a great video going all the time, crabs displayed, and how interesting the immigrants who brought their knowledge of fishing to the business.  There’s a gift shop, a restaurant and a coffee shop with eats, and a pier that people have been seen fishing from.
 
Astoria Column--$5 parking good for a year
So much is made of “the view” everywhere, you may discount the mention.  But the view from the hilltop where the Astoria Column stands is really awe inspiring.  The column itself is awesome.  Of course, you have to be able-bodied to climb to the top of the column, but I didn’t mind waiting and looking out over the waterways, the hills and forests, the town . . . all around.  They have some seating and picnic tables.  I can guess at the height of tourism those and parking might be at a premium, and I was glad to be there in the off season.  There are restrooms we didn’t think to check.  A small gift store chock full of souvenirs you would like to buy for yourself or loved ones.
 
Garden of Surging Waves—free
This is a nice little garden to spend some time admiring the art and contemplating Life, the Universe, your Self, or just slow your life down.  1095 Duane St.
 
Fort Astoria—free
Not to be confused with Fort Clatsop--built originally by Lewis and Clark (Corps of Discovery) in 1805/6--Fort Astoria was originally built by fur traders.  The representative replica is just a place of remembrance, but worth walking to from the Heritage Museum, only a block away.

​
Around Astoria, and the Riverwalk
Astoria is well-hilled, but it does have some flats. The town also has a lot of one-way and quirky streets.  One is difficult for the disabled, the other is difficult for a visitor trying to find and get to things.  In general, the streets roughly parallel to the river are in alphabetical order:  Astor, Bond, Commercial, Duane, Exchange, etc.  But then there’s Marine Drive, which is Hwy 30 running roughly the route of the river through town.
 
If you enjoy architecture, especially Victorian and Craftsman, it’s interesting to drive the hilly streets of residential Astoria.  Beside the historic houses, there are plenty of churches to stir your admiration.  
 
Astoria’s Riverwalk is a nice wide, paved and flat path along the river--popular for 2 and 4-legged walkers, and people on non-motorized wheels (a motorized wheelchair would be ok).  On one side is the river with its human interest and natural beauty.  On the other side is town, some new and some old—including recent Neo-Victorian housing, places to shop, eat, and just enjoy the exercise or the unhurried pace. Along the way are posts of distance and informative signs.  I rolled from 39th St to 15th St and back, taking photos along the way, so I was out for perhaps an hour and a half.  Google says it’s 1.5 miles and takes 28 minutes each way. Some evidence of temporarily permanent  or permanently temporary campers in the vegetation along the river (despite signs warning against overnight camping) is less than picturesque.
 
Now that I have scoped things out, and even though they have complimentary maps, and Google can navigate you pretty well from one place to another, here’s a suggestion for rolling/strolling to at least some of the scenic sites in the city:
 

1. From the Heritage Museum (at 16th & Exchange) roll/stroll west on Exchange St. one block to Fort Astoria. 
2. After a look around, continue west on Exchange St. to 14th Street, then go north on 14th to Duane St.  Go west on Duane St. to the Museum of Whimsy (check ahead for when it’s open) at the corner of 12th St. and Duane (3.5 blocks)
3. Continue west on Duane St one block to the Garden of Surging Waves (11th & Duane St.)
4. Flavel House Museum and Oregon film Museum are at 8th & Duane (3 blocks west of the Garden of Surging Waves).  Although they are not wheelchair accessible, the exterior of Flavel is an interesting sight.
5. Other nearby architecture of interest:  one block north of Flavel House on 8th St. is Commercial St, where you will see the Clatsop Courthouse and the US Post Office.
6. Half a block west of the Post Office on Commercial St is a children’s park/playground.
7. Three and a half blocks north of Commercial St., on 6th St., is the 6th St viewing platform on the Columbia River.  It’s a tower with stairs, but you might be able to fish along the dock there, I was told.  All that area was closed for reconstruction when we were there.  Should be done by summer 2020.  That and other parks at https://www.astoriaparks.com/Parks/Parks_List.aspx
8. From the 6th St pier, by summer 2020, you should be able to walk & roll east along the Riverwalk to 11th St, pier 11, for fishing off the dock? (5 blocks)
9. You can then continue along the Riverwalk (5 blocks) to 16th St and go south 3 blocks to return (uphill) to the Heritage Museum.  Alternatively, you could continue east on the Riverwalk another block and a half from 16th St to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, before heading back to the Heritage Museum.

All together this little stroll is nearly 30 blocks (I wheeled a total of 48 blocks on the flat Riverwalk, which according to Google should only take an hour).  If that’s a bit much, you could of course break it up, or only do part of it.  You might choose to start and end at a different place with better parking.  But I have tried to give the distances between sites so that one might be able to avoid the traffic and parking problems of driving a vehicle in the city when it’s possible to walk.
 
Fort Clatsop
Google guided us “over the river and through the woods” from the back side of Astoria to Fort Clatsop. The museum at Fort Clatsop (Lewis and Clark National Historical Park) is small but fills in some great details about Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery.  Since it was MLK Jr. Day (a free day) when we went, I thought it apropos to learn something about York, the one black member of the team.  We had to leave, and I was left hungering to spend more time there.  More at
​https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/astoria-fort-stevens-fort-clatsop
 
As you drive from Fort Clatsop to Fort Stevens State Park/Coffenbury Lake, you will pass a pretty fair shopping area, with Walmart Supercenter, Costco, and many shops and restaurants.  It’s at the intersection of  Hwy 101 and SE Ensign Lane.
 
Coffenbury Lake
Coffenbury Lake does have an accessible fishing pier or two.  Swimming and paddling kayaks and canoes allowed.  The complimentary life jacket station can’t be counted on to have jackets in good condition, the ranger told me. The restroom near the piers is not very accessible.  We saw a covered group picnic area is right there.  The restroom in the picnic area on the east (the ranger called it the south) side of the lake has an “accessible” stall—not very wheelchair friendly.  The east side open picnic area is very hilly—you’ll need a power chair or a pusher.  Amenities include drinking water, tables, and grills. The east picnic area might be more amenable for kids to swim.  Covered group picnic area C, on the east side, at least, has a sink, plenty of seating and fire & picnic facilities. 
https://visittheoregoncoast.com/2016/09/coffenbury-lake/
 
As you leave Coffenbury Lake or Fort Stevens State Park Campground, on Peter Iredale Road, where it Ts with NW Ridge Rd, there’s a KOA campground, and a handy little laundromat.
 
Fort Stevens State Park
Since I now had a helper, I was intent on getting to see the museum at Fort Stevens State Park.  But it wasn’t open on MLK Jr. Day. ☹  I was able to get out and read some interesting history, but didn’t have time to see if I could “hike” to the reconstructed Clatsop Longhouse.  We were worn out and ready to return home.  “Enjoy year-round military displays at the military museum and information center. Visit the only Civil War era earthen fort on the west coast, or explore the many turn-of-the-century, concrete artillery gun batteries. Underground tours are available during the summer of a gun battery that served as a World War II command center. For tour information, call the Friends of Old Fort Stevens at 503-861-2000.”  A brochure from Astoria, printed fall 2017, lists a Civil War re-enactment in September.
 
Astoria Hotel Accommodations
This trip we tried out two Astoria Hotels:
 
Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel      555 Hamburg Avenue, Astoria, OR, 97103
I was forewarned that this hotel was a little challenging to find, and even with Google guiding us, we missed the street, because it was dark, the sign was modestly unobtrusive, and it looks like you are about to stay in a public storage unit.  Once we got past that, we found the staff at the front desk were great.
 
It seems like a lot of hotels give the ADA rooms only one king bed.  Well, I can share a room with my care giver—we can adjust our time and space for privacy—but we can’t share a bed.  So, I dared to get a two queen room that was not ADA.  I was please with the roominess of the room, it was pleasant enough, and with frig (no freezer)/bar size sink/MW/plenty storage.  It seemed like a good place to stay a few days.  I had asked for a room with a view, and half the view from our room was ok, the other half looked onto an ugly industrial area.  The view windows on the front side had a much more pleasant outlook.
 
The bathroom door accommodated my wheelchair, and I prefer a tub to a roll-in shower anyway.  I felt I could manage the toilet, but as it turned out, it was close enough to the doorway that transferring was difficult.  In the end, I was glad I only had to make it work one night. Tub height 12.5”, bath door 29” at narrowest, bed height 27”.
 
My experience with Best Western complimentary breakfast buffet has always been good.  The laundry was useful:  $2 to wash, $1 to dry, and we were lucky it’s open 24/7, because we left expensive swimwear in the dryer and didn’t remember until 1am.  They have a spa, and a sauna with temp control. The pool has a portable handicapped lift, but the battery was dead, so you may want to call ahead a day or two about that.  The pool also had steps with a railing, and I was happy to be able to use that to lower myself into the pool, gently bum-ping down a step at a time.
 
Hampton Inn & Suites   right off Hwy 30, at 39th St
Although when I was choosing hotels I considered this one too far from center of town, in the end, I thought it occupied a most excellent position.  It’s on Hwy 30, and if you miss the first turn there’s a second entrance.  It is right on the river and the Astoria Riverwalk.  It’s an easy walk to Pier 39 (Museum and eats), Safeway easy drive or Riverwalk access on 33rd.  The view from our room and the breakfast room were marvelous!  The complimentary breakfast buffet was even better than Best Western, so I was impressed.  Staff great.
 
In order to get two queens, I got a studio.  It was wonderfully roomy, even had a large desk and a sleeper sofa, so it would work well for a family.  The huge full-length mirror is actually the closet door. The bathroom was ADA, and though I usually don’t like a tall toilet, this one didn’t have such a high water mark, so not so bad.  Again, it had a tub, but lots of handle bars. You do need to have someone get the towels down where you can reach them, and the same for the handheld shower, if you want to use that.  Tub height 14.5”, toilet height 18”, bed height 25”.  The TV can swivel either toward the couch or the beds.  Of course it had frig, bar size sink, and MW.
 
Both the pool and the spa had permanently installed handicapped lifts, as well as steps with a railing that were easy for me to use (as long as I have a helper to hold my chair from slipping).  Both the pool and the spa are saltwater, rather than chlorine. 
 
There are facilities for business and group meetings, and the “Suite Shop” offers vending machine foods and MW type meals and soups if you need to supplement.  The laundry is open 6am to midnight, I think.  Thankfully we didn’t forget anything this time.  There was only one washer, one dryer, $1.50 per load, each.

We traveled up New Year’s Day, a free WA State Parks day, to check out Battle Ground Lake State Park. Otherwise it’s $10/day, or $30/year for a Discovery Pass good at all of Washington’s State Parks (day use).  Pay stations offer on-the-spot purchase.  Be prepared for a boat launch fee and have a fishing license if those activities are in your plan.   Reserve camping ahead of time online.
 
The Lake
Battle Ground Lake is a little volcanic crater.  Its volcano let off steam about 100,000 years ago and the crater filled with water, which is now stocked with trout late winter through spring.  Or you can bring your gear and scuba dive its depths—as a caldera, it’s not shallow.  Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed.  
 
The State Park
Battle Ground Lake is only about a half hour from Portland.  Click on the Google link below for directions.  As you enter, there’s a vault toilet and some parking on the left.  Continue toward the little entrance building (Ranger Station, the map calls it), and there’s parking on the right for the day area. From day use parking the road heads down a steep hill to the boat launch, fishing dock, and swimming area.  A  convenient little loop lets you head back up the hill in your vehicle, and hopefully no one will be blocking it
 
The Day Use Area
Paved paths around the day use area provide easy, flat access.  The day area has the playground and field, picnic tables & covered group areas.  The field can accommodate baseball, volleyball/badminton, horseshoes, and soccer--if you work out something for your goals.  Two picnic shelters are first come first serve.  A water faucet serves all three picnic shelters. The third shelter is reservable for a larger group and has 2 sinks with water inside, as well as electric outlets.  If you want to grill for a group, you may want to bring something to complement the 2 small grills just outside the reservable picnic shelter.

Caution:  burn bans can start as early as June, when the weather makes it too dangerous for open flames.  Charcoal, propane, and electric cooking should still be ok.  The grassy field will be looking pretty golden.
 
Just before you head down the hill, or when you come back up from swimming, accessible restrooms with accessible showers inside are handy.  New Year’s Day they were locked about 3pm, just before we got there :-\  Next door is a concession stand, understandably closed in winter.  Previous years you could buy something to eat there, but at the time of this post, there was not a concessionaire for the coming season.  There’s an ice machine hugging the concession stand.
 
The kayaks, all tied neatly in a row, can be rented by credit card.  Instructions attend them.  This PDF brochure is helpful but doesn’t say anything about concessions or rentals. https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9272/Battle-Ground-Lake-State-Park-PDF?bidId=
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The Campground
Up the hill from the day area are the campsites.  Two of the four cabins (#13 & #15) have a view of the lake below. They sleep 5 if some double up, 3 if everyone wants to sleep solo.  Each has a table & chairs, and electricity inside & out.  And a heater, for cooler times.
 
We saw one handicapped camp, and it was close to the restrooms/showers there.  Unfortunately, the restrooms/showers in the campground were not very amenable to wheelchairs.  The cabins are not too far from the restrooms, and all but #21 are a flat roll over.

Accessibility
Is Battle Ground Lake State Park accessible?  There is handicapped parking convenient to the day use area, and the fishing dock.  The day area has paved paths that are flat.   The restrooms/showers in the day use area are accessible (I couldn't picture, because they were closed when we were there). The restrooms by the lake are just single rooms, quite maneuverable in a wheelchair.   The dock is probably not ADA, but it’s accessible to a wheelchair.  One guy was fishing from a shored up shore, so that would be amenable to a wheelchair. 
 
The hill down to the lake or up to the campsites is better traveled in a vehicle. Three of the four cabins and the one handicapped camp site are close, and a flat wheel to the restrooms/showers, but the restrooms/showers in the campground were not very wheelchair friendly.  People with other disabilities might not have any problems.
 
Great for Gatherings,
but not a Wheelchair Convention
A  group camp offers 3-sided bunkhouses (bring your own mattress & bedding) as well as room for tenting, beside water and restrooms.  These are not conducive to wheelchairs but could be fun for others.
 
One scenario for a family reunion might be for the main group to camp in the group camp, those needing an RV space or cabin in the regular campground.  Reserve the reservable kitchen to gather in the daytime, with activities in the day area and swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake.  Hiking and horseback riding can also be available.  Or, spend a day at Alderbrook Park, and/or Lewisville Regional Park, both below.
 
There’s an RV dump by the entry/ranger station.
 
Plenty of trails exercise hikers, horse riders, and dirt bikers who don’t mind sharing with horses.  A primitive horse camp is separate from the other camping areas.
 
Battle Ground City and nearby Amenities,
most less than 10 min from the Campground

There’s a skate park and Community Center with kid activities in downtown Battle Ground:
https://www.cityofbg.org/192/Parks-Recreation
 
Bowl at Bailey’s Tiger Bowl http://www.baileystigerbowl.com/
 
Watch a movie at Battle Ground Cinema http://www.battlegroundcinema.com/
 
Along Hwy 502 you will pass Indigo Acres (used to be Kaye’s Blueberries), a u-pick farm.  The season runs from late June-August. “Visitors coming from I-5 must follow NE 219th street slightly beyond Indigo Acres and complete a U-turn at the available turnaround 1/4 mile past the farm.”  I have picked there in previous years, from a wheelchair.  The terrain is flat, but it is a farm, not paved.
 
Liberty Alpacas “in” Battle Ground invites visitors to come see/interact with their alpacas, and buy at their farm store.  http://www.libertyalpacas.com/store/ 
 
Alderbrook Park is a private day use venue open to the public about half the days of the week, and you can reserve it for your group or event.  Additionally, it has special events for the public, such as cruise ins and movies.  Outdoor swimming pool, paddle boats on a small lake, wonderful playgrounds for kids, bouncy houses, field sports, mini golf, food, tables and fire pits with seating.  12 min (7 mi) south of Battle Ground Lake State Park, in Brush Prairie.  Also a great group gathering spot.
https://alderbrookparkevents.com/park-amenities

Lewisville Regional Park, on the east fork of the Lewis River, is another alternate option for the day.  It's only 11 min (5 mi) from Battle Ground Lake State Park (still less from Battle Ground City itself).  It has an inexpensive parking fee ($3/car, etc; free to walk or bike in), which is well worth the day.  "Outdoor activities abound including fishing, picnicking and horseshoes. There is one main baseball field and several play fields, playgrounds and restrooms throughout the park."  First developed by the WPA in the Depression, it still has the flavor, but improvements added over time.  More at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/saturdays-and-other-days-in-the-parks   (scroll down), and Check out the great facilities at https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/lewisville-regional-park

Vancouver (25 min south of Battle Ground Lake) has a Mall, if you have an addicted shopper.  Of course, Portland is only a little over half an hour away, depending on traffic.
 
If camp food doesn't cut it
Battle Ground has the usual fast food chains, plus a couple Thai, Mexican, teriyaki, and a Pita House, as well as BG Pho Vietnamese . . . You’ll see most of them as you drive along Hwy 502 and a grouping on either side of the road about a half mile south on SW 10th Ave (aka Hwy 503, to or from Vancouver, WA).
 
For non-campers
There’s a Best Western Plus Inn & Suites in Battle Ground; it looks like it has a lift for the pool.  Some rooms are themed, and some have a view of Mt. St. Helens.  They are larger than the usual.  Best Western serves a great Continental Breakfast. 
 
For more information

• https://parks.state.wa.us/472/Battle-Ground-Lake
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Ground_Lake_State_Park
• https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Portland,+Oregon/Battle+Ground+Lake+State+Park, 

Here's a nice short (soundless) video from Washington State Parks and Rec
https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks/videos/178737243578320/ 

And a video of Tribal Canoe Families event at Millersylvania https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks/videos/1100621843441547/ 

We went to Millersylvania State Park on a fishing expedition—that is, researching accessible fishing for a later post.  It’s only 3 miles east of I-5, on a country road 10 miles south of Olympia (about 100 miles north of Portland).  As I traveled that little road the day after Thanksgiving (a free day for Washington State Parks), I could imagine a long line of vehicles throughout the camping season awaiting their chance to stay by the lake in Miller’s “forest land” (previously called “Miller’s Glade”).
 
With temperatures that day in the mid 30s, there were still plenty of campers, albeit many of the sites were closed.  Most campers were in RVs, but some intrepid tenters settled for some cold, with big roaring, soaring fires.  My grandson delighted in breaking the ice with a little fishie he spied swimming in the iced-over pond that had settled in the parking next to the tiny, yet accessible, ranger station/entrance/gift shop.
 
We saw at least one accessible camp site (gated off), with a graveled path to the nearby accessible shower/restroom.  All the showers take tokens rather than cash. 
 
Next we went to check out the fishing pier at the boat ramp.  It has a couple benches, and was accessible, if a bit rough between parking and pier.  Lakeside Cottage is right there:
 
“The Lakeside Cottage is a charming two-story cottage that has been newly refurbished and decorated, offering great comfort in an idyllic park setting near the shores of Deep Lake. The main floor of the house has a living room, master bedroom, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom; the upstairs is an open loft for indoor activities and relaxation, with cozy alcoves for sleeping. 2 night stay required. NOTE: CUT OFF DATE FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS AT THE VACATION HOUSE IS THREE DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL DATE.”  No pets, no tents, max 6 people & 3 vehicles.  The 4 pictures I was at last able to access look like it would be accessible for a wheelchair (a ramp to the door, nice open interior design), even if not specifically ADA, the downstairs bathroom was not pictured, but a call back reassured me that it is also wheelchair friendly.
 
Plenty of picnic tables are placed right there by the boat ramp & lake, and you can walk or roll all along the edge of the lake within the park, and choose a spot to picnic and play.  Be mindful to pick your path if in a wheelchair, or you’ll encounter root problems, making it tricky going.
 
They have designated swim areas, drinking water fountains & faucets, fire pits & grills, group kitchens and an accessible shower/restroom there at the lakeside day use area.  All very nice, though Washington could take a hint from Oregon about keeping their restrooms and showers more pleasant.
 
Group kitchens have a rustic look, but include small sinks and electricity.  Wood fire “stoves” can provide a range of cooking options.  Several picnic tables inside can seat 50, they say, and just outside are more tables and large grill.  The buildings were constructed by the CCC in the 30s, so they are sturdy and historic.
 
It wasn’t the right time of year to get a burger, hot dog, pizza, ice cream and such at the Lakeside Grill & Boats, who also rent kayaks and pedal boats, but it looks like a disabled person might be able to take advantage of that in warmer weather.
 
For more information and reservations, see

• https://parks.state.wa.us/546/Millersylvania      or,
• https://www.stateparks.com/millersylvania_state_park_in_washington.html

                                                               
Altogether it seems like a great family friendly place for the day or for camping.  They can accommodate reunions, if you can beat the crowds waiting to pounce on the reservations as soon as they open.  Mt. St. Helens is only an hour and a half away (see my post about Mt. St. Helens  https://accessibletravel.weebly.com/accessible-travel-blog/mt-st-helens ), and so is Mt. Rainier (future post); Centralia 17 miles to the south has an outlet mall right off I-5.  For more information about things to do and see in Centralia, http://www.cityofcentralia.com/Page.asp?NavID=657  
 
Movie Theaters:

• Midway Cinema in Chehalis (3-4 mi south of Centralia) has $5 Tuesdays.  http://www.catheaters.com/Sectionindex.asp?sectionID=28#.XeXoJFdKiM8
• McMenamins Olympic Club Theater has $4 Tuesdays ($5 regular price)—minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (alcohol as well as food can be ordered).   They can accommodate vision and hearing impaired. https://www.mcmenamins.com/olympic-club/olympic-club-theater
• Of course, alternatively, you can head north to Olympia instead.

 
Note:  you could ride Amtrak up from Portland to Centralia, but then how to get to Millersylvania with all your gear? Google says you could bike between the two in an hour and a half . . . (wink)

• Wanderu says the fare starts at only $18. https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/train/us-or/portland/us-wa/centralia/
• Rome2rio.com compares 3 ways to get from Portland to Centralia; the train is not the least expensive, but it's scenic, and you don't have to deal with traffic traumas. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Portland/Centralia-WA-USA