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ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PNW
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Wheelchair Wanderings
​in search of accessible vacations

Coos Bay, North Bend, & Charleston OR

2/12/2021

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Itinerary 1
Shore Acres State Park, OR—winter & summer
West Coast Game Park Safari, Bandon OR
Charleston Marine Life Center
2 nights at The Mill Casino, Hotel & RV Park
 
Itinerary 2
Mingus Park & Japanese Garden, Coos Bay
Coos Bay Boardwalk
Coos History Museum
The Pancake Mill, North Bend
Captains Choice, North Bend
 
Itinerary 3
North Bend Boardwalk
Liberty Theater, North Bend
Egyptian Theater, Coos Bay
Blue Heron, Coos Bay (German cuisine)
 
County Parks—camping, day-use, beach
Past Post:  Florence to Port Orford…S. Oregon Coast
Interesting short videos

 
Shore Acres State Park, OR—winter & summer
   A tantalizing taste of the Christmas Lights at Shore Acres State Park beaconed me to come see them Thanksgiving weekend, but the show could not go on—it had to be canceled twice for COVID in 2020.  But the Friends of Shore Acres put up a video of the show.  See link below. 
   Beside the lights, I looked forward to a view of whales or winter waves from the “fully-enclosed observation building [that offers] spectacular views of rugged seascapes, towering storm waves, and
glimpses of migrating whales from December through June.” (Brochure at the State Park site below).  Another time, I guess. 
  We had visited Shore Acres in June of 2020.  May is probably the best time to see the plethora of rhododendrons in bloom, and June probably best for the rose garden, but they have something blooming all the time, I understand, and the Japanese garden is never to be missed.  Our June visit is on day 3 of the following post:  
  • https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/florence-to-port-orford-dune-buggies-and-bandon-by-the-sea-s-oregon-coast
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=68
  • https://shoreacres.net/ Friends of Shore Acres, check out the Video Archives; they are also on FB
  • https://vimeo.com/473636830?fbclid=IwAR3C14TobUObBqaQc8BwS5WLSRiR0zQPVEz-QarL67YXSlNS4FzsIYsc95E Christmas Lights by a professional; internet has lots done by visitors
 
West Coast Game Park Safari, Bandon OR
   Just as the Game Park was able to open from COVID-19 closure, a storm caused havoc so they had to close again for clean-up when we were there.  We’ll have to try again.  In the meantime, here’s their website, with photos/photo gallery:  https://www.westcoastgameparksafari.com/

Charleston Marine Life Center, OR
   Ordinarily open Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, free for kids/students, $5 for adults, $4 seniors/AAA, the center is temporarily closed, and has been for a long time.  This is another place I am anxious to go explore in future.  http://www.charlestonmarinelifecenter.com/
 
The Mill Casino, Hotel & RV Park—North Bend OR
   The hotel has very nice accommodations with several restaurants and a gift shop.  Great lodge-like décor, depicting Native American art and themes.  Group spaces available, and events/entertainment.  Along with the RV park I think I saw a yurt or two, but I don’t see any on their site at least at present. 
   After checking out their rooms online, and talking to reception a time or two, I dared to get a non-ADA room so that I could have 2 queen beds (one for my travel helper), and a view.  Travel plans had to be postponed twice, so by the time we went the end of Dec 2020, I forgot to bring a shower chair.  It was a walk-in, not a roll-in shower.  In short, I ended up just taking a “spit bath” each day.  I was able to back into the shower/toilet area with my chair to get to the toilet.  Transferring was difficult but doable.  The separate bathroom sink area was nice and spacious.
   Our room had a view of both bay and bayside industry, a safe as well as the usual amenities, but no coffee maker or microwave—whether for COVID reasons, or because they want you to buy coffee and eat in their restaurants.  But the frig was reasonable, and we kept extra food & drinks in it.  Restaurants were limited by COVID, but the food was good.  My helper really enjoyed his burger, and I had prime rib from the Timbers Café (take to your room during COVID).  The Plank House Restaurant has beautiful bay views, and it was open the day we checked out, so after checkout we had brunch.  My helper enjoyed another burger & fries, and I had a vegetable omelet with toast and fresh fruit, cranberry juice on the side.  We both had a cup of thick, rich clam chowder.
https://www.themillcasino.com/
 
Mingus Park, Pool, & Japanese Garden, Coos Bay
   Though it took a little exploring to find Mingus Park, I was glad we made the journey!  We were first directed the long way there by an unnamed internet guidance service to the outdoor pool of the upper part of Mingus Park, whose parking is on a steep hill.  Even Dec 29 people were swimming laps!   Access is through a building, which has changing/showering and locker facilities (limited during COVID).  https://mingusparkpool.wixsite.com/mysite
   From the upper parking lot I could glimpse the pedestrian part of the park, but there was no way to drive there directly.  We went back out to N Tenth St, turned south, and found the flat parking and part of the park.  Parking is east of N Tenth, and there’s also a ball field, tennis court, and skate park on that side.  Carefully cross the street (crosswalk, but fairly busy road) to find the delights of walking around  Mingus Park.  A flat paved trail circles the central pond  (Mingus Park Lake), with its little island wind mill, night-lit fountains, and duck population.   Picnic tables, benches, gazebo, 2 playgrounds, restrooms (the locks on the door were not sufficiently strong to hold people back during COVID crises, and we found them ill-used). 
   The paved trail arches over a pretty bridge and west from there is the Japanese Garden, pretty even in winter.  Rooting action made me glad for a helper to increase my confidence rolling on the paved path there.  Picturesque boardwalks and bridges, beside the artistically place rocks and plants bring solace to the soul.  Mingus & other parks at http://coosbay.org/departments/parks
A better way to get to Mingus Park is to drive west from Hwy 101 on West Commercial Ave to N. Tenth St.

Coos Bay Boardwalk
   Finding that COVID closures had ruined my #1 Itinerary, I thought it was the perfect chance to check out other venues in Coos Bay that I never seemed to have time for.  To the Boardwalk we went!  Because Hwy 101 is split into north flowing and south flowing traffic in the midst of Coos Bay, and we were going south, we found that turning east on Elrod Ave gave us a traffic light as well as a longer stretch of street-parking possibilities along north-flowing Hwy 101.  No problem parking when we were there, but in the high season it could be.  Coos Bay-North Bend Visitors center is between Anderson & Commercial Ave on north-flowing Hwy 101, just across from the boardwalk.  Might be a good place to start, but we were there after hours.
  To be sure there’s more to eat and buy (such as fresh seafood) during the summer, but being a history buff, I still enjoyed the walk along the waterfront, the interpretive signs, and a mini-museum of boats.    Crossing the RR tracks is a bit of a breath-holder in a wheelchair, but there is a ramp to the right of the main stairs, we were glad to find.  There are sheltered picnic tables, benches for banter, a long walk to saunter . . . if you go far enough north, you’ll see not only another sheltered boat, but a slice of a huge historic tree.  Of an evening you might be treated to a sensuous sunset, and the city lights.
  • http://coosbay.org/ slides of sites & events
  • http://coosbay.org/visiting more slides, events, info
 
Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection
   I didn’t relish getting out in the rain, even long enough to get inside the museum, on the day we left (and we were anxious to get home before too late in winter dark hours), so I wasn’t quite as disappointed that the Museum was closed for COVID as I might have been.  Even though part of the collection is outdoors, it would be too unpleasant to pursue in a wheelchair.  So that’s one more thing to anticipate.    It looks like you can now make appointments to visit the museum.  Their website has some great historic photos to whet your appetite, a 2 min drone video of the exterior and surroundings, and events listed (how I wish I could have gone to the First Tuesday Talk “Oregon’s Black History:  450 years in 45 minutes” Feb 2nd 2021—oops, it looks like it was a webinar, so I could have attended!--videos of 10 previous 1st Tues Talks can be accessed from the site Menu, as well as future ones you can sign up for).  Every 2nd Sat is free 11am-5pm with hands on activities 11am-1pm relating to the First Tuesday Talks.  (recipe for solar s’mores etc on the site:  click on the site menu, then 2nd Saturdays)
  • https://cooshistory.org/
  • https://www.facebook.com/cooshistorymuseum/posts/3820586884668242
  • shipwreck https://www.beachconnection.net/news/coosbay_mystery_shipwreck081720.php 
 
The Pancake Mill & Captain’s Choice, North Bend OR
   I wanted to try the Pancake Mill for breakfast, and I am ever so glad we did!  It’s a small, unassuming place very close to The Mill Casino, and a bit confusing where to turn in from the south (sooner than you expect), but well worth the notice.  It was very hard to choose from the extensive breakfast menu, and we got enough to last the day of sight-seeing.  My helper got a nice stack of pancakes, and an order of bacon & scrambled eggs, very good, bacon not too crisp nor too wimpy.  I ordered Swedish pancakes similar to crepes, with lingonberry filling, all rich and delicious; and a western omelet that came with 2 sides—I chose hash browns & fresh fruit.  All was very filling.  They are open for breakfast and lunch (including burgers, sandwiches, soups,  salads), until 3pm—breakfast offered all open hours.  They also have a good selection of whole pies, cakes, and cheesecakes.  It’s mostly a take-away, but they do have a few tables inside.  https://www.pancakemill.com/
   We were still kind of full, from our brunch at the Pancake Mill, but we picked up dinner at Captain’s Choice to take back to our room.  We took out, that is they so kindly brought out to us (on a cold rainy night), fish n’ chips that came with toast and coleslaw, and steak with garlic mashed potatoes & gravy, roll, baked winter squash.  The dinner was fine, but the steak and squash could have used a little more seasoning.  We also made a good choice with the clam chowder.  I had hoped for Spicy Sweet Ginger Garlic Shrimp, Crab Alfredo, or the No-Batter Platter as shown in someone’s photo on the internet, but they were no longer on the menu.  Through the windows the interior looked pleasant, easy informal. http://www.captainschoicefishhouse.com/  (menu when we went during COVID cares had no pasta and in other ways was abbreviated from that online; site copyright is 2016).
 
North Bend Boardwalk
   Something more to explore in future . . .
  • https://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/tripideas/one-day-travel-itinerary-a-perfect-adventure-in-north-bend-oregon/
  • https://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/tripideas/historic-walking-tour-of-north-bend/
 
Liberty Theater, North Bend
Temporarily closed
  • http://thelibertytheatre.org/
  • http://thelibertytheatre.org/our-season/  online offerings posted during COVID-19
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClh-8JGBaLtFctc5BtY7COA   YouTube channel
 
Egyptian Theater, Coos Bay
Temporarily closed
“Examples of Community Events:
League of Women Voters Public Forum
Senator Wyden’s Town Hall Meeting
234th National Guard Army Band Performance
Baycrest Village Sponsored Movies
Inland Point Sponsored Movies”
https://egyptiantheatreoregon.com/
 
Blue Heron, Coos Bay (German cuisine)
Their “Oktoberfest” dinner inspires me to go back to Coos Bay in October!
https://www.blueheronbistro.net/
 
County Parks—camping, day-use, beach
http://www.co.coos.or.us/Portals/0/Parks/parkslist.pdf
 
Past Post:  Florence to Port Orford…S. Oregon Coast, scroll down to Days 2-3
Includes Dune Bugging north of North Bend, Shake N Burger Coos Bay, Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay, McCullough Memorial Bridge, Coos Bay’s Simpson Park, Empire Ramp & Pier, a bit about Charleston, Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago State Park
https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/florence-to-port-orford-dune-buggies-and-bandon-by-the-sea-s-oregon-coast
 
Nicely-done 6 min video Coos Bay, North Bend, Oregon
Including Shore Acres State Park, Charleston, Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area 24 mi east up Coos River, Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago Lighthouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1FSuJqea-8&ab_channel=DanielSmede
 
Sneaker wave south of Coos Bay: Caught on camera, posted Jan 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPypT9dOvSY&ab_channel=TheOregonian
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Lincoln City and south to Depoe Bay

1/26/2021

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   Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast is only a couple hours SW of Portland via Hwy 18, on a good day and at a good time.  If you travel in traffic, expect to add considerable time.  Incidentally, I think it’s interesting that you cross the 45th parallel on Hwy 101 between NE East Devils Lake Rd and NE West Devils Lake Rd, Lincoln City OR.  There’s another marker in Keizer OR, one near The Oregon Garden in Silverton OR, clear across the state on Hwy 97 between Biggs & Bend, and again in the Bake Valley.  Of course, the imaginary line doesn’t just dot its way across the state, but it’s a bit mind-bending to connect those dots in your brain as you travel in space/time.
   It’s been my goal for some time to go crabbing in Lincoln City because they have crabbing and clamming clinics in the summer, and I was always hoping for a glass float they sprinkle on the beaches for Finders Keepers.  These were cancelled for COVID in 2020, but then I was able to go winter wave watching Jan 2021.  I still hope to go crabbing there in 2021 but decided to post now and add later.

​Below are some photos along the way.
Scroll down to see a list of places I went once I got to Lincoln City
   A note about HB Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor and the Drift Creek Covered Bridge on the way to or from Lincoln City.  Westbound on Hwy 18 in the Van Duzer Corridor is Van Duzer State Park. Eastbound is the Van Duzer Wayside rest area.  Whichever way you are traveling, take the one on your side of the road, rather than dangerously crossing the highway.  Only 13 miles east of Lincoln City, each offers restrooms, picnic tables, parking, and some paved paths.  
   Not far east of Lincoln City is the inconspicuous N. Bear Creek Rd going south off Hwy 18.  Travel about a mile up the road to the sign for the Drift Creek Covered Bridge.  It has a little history, as you can read below.
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=160
  • http://oregonrestareas.com/van-duzer-corridor-state-park-rest-area-or18.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drift_Creek_Bridge
​
   I stayed a night in Lincoln City the year of the great Eclipse, 21 Aug 2017 (before I started this site), and I stayed a night there in March of 2019 when we went whale watching in Depoe Bay.  See
  • https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/oregon
  • https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/whale-watching-at-depoe-bay
   Jan 4, 2021 I had time before dark, & checking into my hotel, to travel south of Lincoln City as far as Depoe Bay (a mere 10 miles from my hotel), so I went on down to take a look at places and vistas along that way.  Depoe Bay and Boiler Bay had wonderful winter waves crashing and splashing!

Here are the places I visited Jan 4:

Lincoln City to Depoe Bay
Siletz Bay Vista Point
Siletz Bay Parking
Salishan
Gleneden Beach Wayside
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Depoe Bay

These are the places I checked out Jan 5, with other honorable mentions:
Lincoln City
Lincoln City Outlets
East Devils Lake State Park
Sand Point Park on Devils Lake
Chinook Winds Golf Resort
Wildwood Open Space, Head to Bay Trail
Kirtsis Park, ball fields & skate park
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Statue
Regatta Park on Devils Lake
Lighthouse Square
Chinook Winds Casino Resort on the ocean
Roads End State Rec Site on the ocean
Ocean Beach accesses, parks, & hotels on the west
Lincoln City Cultural Center
Devil’s Lake State Rec Area
D River State Rec Site on the ocean
Taft on the bay
Siletz Bay Park
The Inn at Spanish Head on the ocean
Other hotels & restaurants previously visited

Public Transportation to, from, and around Lincoln City & County
   Public Transportation in Lincoln County
  • https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/transit/page/transit-intercity-bus-schedule-pdf
  • https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/transit/page/3773/lincolncityloop.pdf
   “The Coastal Connector loops from Salem to Lincoln City—on weekends, Salem’s pick-up starts at the Amtrak Train Station and drops off at Chinook Winds Casino Resort. On weekdays, the Coastal Connector picks up at Spirit Mountain Casino with Cherriots providing service from Salem. There are three round-trips per day.”
  • https://www.nworegontransit.org/how-to-ride/
   NW Connector Dec 2018 brochure shows Newport to Lincoln City/Rose Lodge route, as well as Newport to Yachats and Siletz routes. Other routes in Lincoln county links below.
  • https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/transit/page/5803/nxnw_lincoln_schedule_december2018.pdf
  • https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/transit/page/transit-intercity-bus-schedule-pdf
  • https://www.nworegontransit.org/ shows a route from Portland to Tillamook & Tillamook to Lincoln City
Lincoln City to Depoe Bay
   Traveling south on Hwy 101 barely below town (technically still part of Lincoln City), over an arm of the Siletz River, on the west side of the road is the pull-out Siletz Bay Vista Point with a lovely look at Siletz Bay and the bay side of the Historic Town of Taft (now incorporated into Lincoln City)—where the mouth of the river opens wide before touching a tongue to the Pacific Ocean past the Salishan spit.  At the Vista Point are signs about Native Americans, exploration, and Oregon geology: the earthquake and tsunami of 1700.  A pretty little sea stack with its lone little Charlie Brown tree hanging on to dear life adds to the romance of the situation, especially at sunset.
   Hardly south of Siletz Bay Vista Point is Siletz Bay Parking, also on the west side of the road, with a nice wide concrete walk and telling signs of the past.  The lowlands of the bay offer wetland wildlife (at the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge in particular) and at low tide expansive mudflats for clamming.  The adjacent tiny community of Cutler includes the Josephine Young Memorial Park on its western beach of the bay, with a restroom marked accessible, maintained by Lincoln City.  Cutler Wetlands trails map at
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/Simplified_Cutler_Wetlands_8x11__20200401.pdf
Picture
A brochure by the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, and the Depoe Bay Fire & Rescue
   Salishan Spa & Golf Resort (including a Lodge, restaurant, shops, tennis, over 250 acres, and a small lake) signals an upscale recreational area.  The next road to the right, minimally marked “Gleneden Beach Loop”, offers a way to drive up the Salishan spit if you go straight forward on Salishan Dr.  At Salishan Middle is a small parking area, and it looks like an access to the beach.  Keep driving north on Salishan Dr to the parking lot at the end for more access to the long stretching Salishan Beach on the bay or the ocean.  Apparently there are sea lions basking in the sun, which need to be left to bask unbothered.  Further south off Gleneden Beach loop is WorldMark Drive, leading to WorldMark Gleneden timeshares right on the Pacific Ocean.
  • https://www.salishan.com/
  • https://www.salishan.com/explore/resort-map
  • https://www.extraholidays.com/gleneden-beach-oregon/worldmark-gleneden?
  • https://www.worldmarkbywyndham.com/resorts/ge/
   A small sign doesn’t give a lot of presage to Gleneden Beach Wayside off to the right as you travel south on Hwy 101, but watch for it after the first Gleneden Beach Loop sign.  When you turn west toward Gleneden Beach, you’ll see the south end of Gleneden Beach Loop to the right/north.  (WorldMark Gleneden borders Gleneden Beach Wayside on the north, so it is not a far drive up the loop.)  Gleneden Beach Wayside has parking, flush restrooms that do not advertise accessibility, picnic tables, a gazebo picnic place, paved paths (a bit of a stiff hill between parking and other amenities), hiking and fishing for those able, nice views of the ocean for all. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=159
   Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area has 2 parts:  north and south.  They are east off Hwy 101.  North Fogarty Creek entrance is next to one of the useful turnarounds along Hwy 101.  The recent rains had made pools in the parking area.  It appears that gently arching bridges over Fogarty Creek, along with the paths, connect the north with the south parts of the park.  A path under the highway leads to the ocean beach, and tidepools, fishing, and hiking available for the able bodied.
   South Fogarty Creek entrance leads to a restroom (that was closed for COVID when I was there), picnic tables, and a reservable gazebo that could offer shelter for your lunch.  A sign with a phone number might come in handy if you need to check its availability in a hurry. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=158
Picture
"A word to the wise ought to be sufficient" quoth me father, and here are warnings for water lovers.
   Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint is a tremendous place to see the ocean and coast, as well as to stop for a break from travel and/or a picnic.  Although the flushing restrooms have a wheelchair sign, when I looked inside on a previous visit it was less than friendly to wheelchairs.  This time when I went some of the picnic spots were soggy or in a puddle, so I didn’t get out of my vehicle, but the crashing waves were great even from the car.  See my review as part of a previous trip whale watching in Depoe Bay, as well as info from Oregon State Parks, which says it’s also a great whale watching place year-round.
  • https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/whale-watching-at-depoe-bay
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=153
  • A great whale watching brochure at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2F%2F45512_Whale_Watching_Brochure%28web%29032315.pdf
   What makes Depoe Bay so great is that right downtown Hwy 101 nearly touches the ocean.  There’s a walkway with limited picnic tables and a wall right along it, and the whale watching center.  For my previous review of Depot Bay, see https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/whale-watching-at-depoe-bay.  This time it was a wet, windy day, so I stayed in the car, but still had great views of the splashing and crashing waves.  If you go during winter, wear warm and waterproof clothes!
   Google Maps shows Depoe Bay stretching from Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint on the north, almost to Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint on the south.  Between those two:
  • another WorldMark resort property right on the ocean https://www.extraholidays.com/depoe-bay-oregon/worldmark-depoe-bay?
  • Depoe Bay Scenic View Area on the west side of town at 479 Alsea Ave and 435 Alsea Ave; take Vista St. or NW Sunset St off Hwy 101  https://beachconnection.net/news/depscenic020916_328.php
  • Depoe Bay Scenic Park seems to be in 2 parts:  1) right along the west side of Hwy 101—satellite view looks like you park on the west side of Hwy 101 and walk a trail to picnic tables and benches, and 2) along the Depoe Bay Memorial Wall and OPRD Whale Watching Center.  There’s limited parking there and across the street by the shops. 
  • Take Bay St east from Hwy 101 (there’s a traffic light just before crossing the bridge to the south) to City of Depoe Bay Community Hall, on the east side of the bay, “The World’s Smallest Navigable Harbor”.
  • From Bay St go west on Coast Guard Dr and follow it south to Depot Bay City Park, with a bridge, picnic tables, gazebo, memorials, limited paved paths, and a playground.
  • Depot Bay City Hall, for those who like historic buildings or cutesy whale statuary, is a block or so east off Hwy 101 on Shell Ave.
  • To get to Cliff Street View Point take S. Point Street straight west off Hwy 101 to where you can only turn north onto Point Ave.  This is a residential area, and Google Maps doesn’t pinpoint it exactly, so it involves a little exploring.  Looks like it’s an access to trails which are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint has picnic tables, flushing restrooms (not handicapped), and fishing, their site says, “Rocky Creek is a spectacular ocean-front park on a forested bluff overlooking the ocean. Offshore rocks provide spectacular wave action in storms and are nesting areas for birds and sea lions and harbor seals. The viewpoint is an official Whale Spoken Here site for watching gray whales.”  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=184
  • North West Plane Rides offers views from above Depoe Bay and surrounding areas in an historic Bi-Plane, email 1929travelair@gmail.com, website: www.nwplaneridescom​

Lincoln City

   Like many small cities and towns, Lincoln City is largely linear along the Highway.  It has overtaken tiny towns along the way, which have become its districts.  But like many others, there’s more to see and do here than at first glance driving through.  Below are places I visited and here’s an excellent brochure: 
  • http://www.journalgraphicsdigitalpublications.com/epubs/LincolnCity/VisitorGuide2019/viewer/desktop/#page/1
  • order a free visitor guide online at https://www.oregoncoast.org/plan/request-visitor-guide/
  • About Lincoln City https://www.oregoncoast.org/about-us
​East Devils Lake Rd & Devils Lake Blvd
   Lincoln City Outlets is a nice outdoor square for people who like to shop.  It does have some slope for those who are pushing themselves.  Beside the parking lot, there’s a parking garage, all free as far as I could see. Enter from SE East Devils Lake Rd off Hwy 101.  See https://www.lincolncityoutlets.com/
   Continue east on SE East Devils Lake Rd as it becomes NE East Devils Lake Rd to East Devils Lake State Park/Rec Area.  There are picnic tables, trails, restrooms, fire pit, a boat ramp and a fishing dock that looked accessible, but without a helper I didn’t get out to try it.  Their website talks about both the East Devils Lake State Park (day use), and the campground off 6th St.  It’s not always clear which is which.  Check the photos accompanying this post.
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=155
   Keep driving around the lake on NE East Devils Lake Rd to NE Loop Dr and turn west.  It’s a little residential finger of land poking into Devils Lake, and at its tip is the tiny Sand Point Park amongst the tall trees, with picnic tables & grills, restroom, a tiny parking area (including handicapped spot), and access to the lake for swimmers & kayakers.  There’s a ramp down to the small sandy beach.
   If you continue north on NE East Devils Lake Rd, you will reach Hwy 101 at the eastern edge of Lincoln City.  Turn west toward the city, and if you turn north at the first traffic light you can get to the Chinook Winds Golf Resort off NE Devils Lake Blvd. Turn at NE 50th St to see the beautiful landscape of the golf course.  From Hwy 101 I got a glimpse of an elk herd munching on the course, but when I drove to the end of NE 50th I could not see them.  When the resort is open it might be great to take a golf cart out to see them if you time it right.
West Devils Lake Rd, 22nd St, and 14th St
   If you turn south at the traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 101 and NE Devils Lake Blvd/NE West Devils Lake Rd, you will come to NE Holmes Rd, where you can turn east to Holmes Rd Park with a boat ramp, fishing dock, restrooms.  Further south of that on NE West Devils Lake Rd is a pull-out marked Friends of the Wildwood Open Space, from whence you can hike in the well treed and brushed “open” space (trail map available, link below).  The widely paved “Head to Bay Trail” runs by there, from the Community Center and along NE West Devils Lake Rd.  The plan has been a 7 mi trail from Cascade Head, to the Siletz Bay.  Lincoln City has preserved several open spaces, for which they have a nice map.  
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/Lincoln_City_Owned_Parks_and_Open_Spaces_-__20200818_optimized.pdf Lincoln City Parks & Open Spaces
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/2_Simplified_Friends_of_Wildwoods_8x11__20200820_optimized.pdf Friends of Wildwoods trails
   If you turn west off NE West Devils Lake Rd at NE 22nd St, you’ll see Kirtsis Park, and the road to the east of the ball fields leads to the Skate Park.  Across from the ball field on NE 22nd St is the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Statue with the man reading and riding.  Off 21st and Oar Place is the Lincoln City Community Center.  “Our center offers a 25-meter swimming pool with enclosed water slide, diving boards and rope swing; a warm water instructional pool with water features; and a 12-person hot tub. We have a weight room, cardio room, full size gymnasium with basketball court, indoor walking/running track, senior center, and a 24-foot supervised indoor rock climbing wall!”  They offer different levels of membership.
  • Skate Park https://www.lincolncity.org/index.asp?SEC=2CF768DB-81F6-4778-8B05-0DF8E2D577EF&Type=B_BASIC
  • Parks, Trails and Open Space Maps https://www.lincolncity.org/index.asp?SEC=876A2A99-6CF5-44FB-8FDE-0D46B08E522F&Type=B_BASIC
  • The Community Center https://www.lincolncity.org/parksandrec
   If instead of turning off NE West Devils Lake Rd at 22nd, you continue south, you will reach family friendly Regatta Park, right on the lake, with picnic facilities, creative playground, accessible fishing pier, protected swimming area, and boat ramp.  It’s on a steep hill, but has some flat, accessible parking and picnic spots, close to the playground. 
   Traveling west from Regatta Park, NE West Devils Lake Rd becomes NE 14th St, and passes by Spring Lake Open Space, which offers hiking and an accessible paved trail.  To get to the parking (w/an accessible space), turn north off 14th at the unassuming NE Port Ave.  Not much further west on 14th you get back to Hwy 101; you’ll be facing Prehistoric, a substantial rocks/fossils/minerals shop.  You’re in the Historic Oceanlake section of Lincoln City:  downtown.  Lovers of earth’s treasures also check out Rock Your World at SW 32nd & US Highway 101.
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/Simplified_Spring_Lake_8x11_Landscape__20200819.pdf
  • https://www.prehistoricoregon.com/
  • https://www.rockyourworldgems.com/
Downtown & Logan Rd
   If you choose to turn north at 14th and Hwy 101, driving through town, eventually you’ll see Lighthouse Square on the west side of the highway.  Clue:  there’s a big lighthouse structure (not big for a lighthouse, but as a landmark), and it’s on NE Logan Rd.  Take a left at Lighthouse Square onto Logan Rd—Safeway and Joann Fabrics & Crafts with other shops are on one side, and Grocery Outlet, McMenamins, and 60s Diner, and other shops on the other side.  (60s Diner reviewed under “Other Hotels and Restaurants” at bottom of this post).  Handy if you want to pick up a picnic or a craft 😉 to take to Road’s End State Rec Site.
   On the way to Road’s End State Rec Site, off Logan Rd is Chinook Winds Casino Resort.  You’ll see the sign.  It was closed for COVID when I was there, but it’s right on the ocean and looks like it might be a great place for a wave action vacation or a one-arm action get-away.  Lincoln County Transit as well as NW Connector buses stop there.  Chinook Winds Casino Resort advertises a full-service health club, hotel swimming pool/sauna/spa & laundry, play palace for kids, video arcade, free bus (normally).  Restaurants on-site. 
  • https://www.chinookwindscasino.com/?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=103
   Continue on NE Logan Road to Roads End State Recreation Site with access to the beach, picnic tables, flushing restrooms (marked handicapped), drinking fountains & footwash.  There are two parts/loops to this park next to each other.  It looked like there’s a paved path down to the beach, but eventually you are going to hit sand.  Great tidepools.  The site mentions the “Finders Keepers” glass float hunt the city puts on every (normal) year, which I have so wanted to do.  I see they have complimentary beach wheelchairs (see below under beach accesses), so maybe I can have hopes of participating sometime! 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=163
   Further up NE Logan Road is Logan Rd County Wayside, a tiny parking area and beach access between residences.  Not far from there you really do get to the road’s end, which loops like the eye of a needle.  The Knoll open space with hiking is up this way . . . across from Roads End State Rec Site you can take a circuitous route on NE Sal La Sea Drive to one of the trailheads to The Knoll/God’s Thumb, or wind through the neighborhoods on NE 61st St/NE Mast Ave/NE 63rd St/NE Oar Dr/NE Port Dr.  Another Trailhead is accessed off NE Devils Lake Blvd (keep going past Chinook Winds Golf Resort off Hwy 101).
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/1_Simplified_The_Knoll_8x11.pdf
Beach Access Points, Parks, Hotels on the Northwest Side of Lincoln City
Beach access points
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/beaches-water/beach/access/
  • Access & parking https://www.lincolncity.org/index.asp?SEC=1006F4F1-606C-4E0F-90CE-28A932ED097B&Type=B_LIST
A complimentary beach wheelchair is available through the Lincoln City Community Center.  541-994-2131; 541-996-2119; 541-654-1633.  For wheelchair access to the beach/complimentary beach wheelchair, see also
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/beaches-water/beach/safety-accessibility/
Parks
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/outdoor/parks/
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/Lincoln_City_Owned_Parks_and_Open_Spaces_-__20200818_optimized.pdf
    From Hwy 101 & NE Logan Rd, turn south on Hwy 101 and the next street to the west is NW 40th St.  Thus you can continue to explore ocean/beach access in Lincoln City.  The one on NW 40th St is next to Chinook’s Seafood Grill (part of Chinook Winds Casino Resort).  It is said to be a “paved ramp with a gradual slope” implying accessibility.  I didn’t park and get out to try it, but I did see the ocean from there.     
   From NW 40th St go south on NW 40th Place to NW Jetty Ave.  All along this avenue you catch tantalizing glimpses of the ocean.  At NW 35th Court is Grace Hammond Beach Access, with a small parking area (including a handicapped spot), and a short paved trail to a bench overlooking the ocean.
   If you want to take a little detour to an acre of rhododendrons, various shrubs, and perennials, beside a library, gift shop, tours & events, Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is just a few blocks east of NW Jetty at 1931 NW 33rd St.   https://www.conniehansengarden.com/
   Wecoma Park at NW Jetty Ave and 31st Place has a small parking lot, restrooms marked accessible, fun fenced playground, and accessible picnic table on pavement.  Surftides Hotel is a whole complex, including a restaurant and tennis court, on NW Jetty Ave, but there are many accommodations of every sort for every taste along the ocean in Lincoln City.  https://www.surftideslincolncity.com/  
   Persist going south:  26th St. Beach Access has parking, restrooms marked accessible, bench & picnic table on pavement overlooking the ocean, a drinking fountain, perhaps a foot wash, and stair access to the beach. NW 21st St Beach Access is right next to Seahorse Oceanfront Lodging.  http://seahorsemotel.com/ This beach access has a tiny parking area (w/handicapped spot) and steps down to the beach.  Still a nice view of the ocean. 
   From the 21st St Beach Access, go south on NW Harbor Ave (with lots more ocean front accommodations), to NW 15th St.  Next to the Seagull Beachfront Motel is a steep hill beach access where you can drive on the beach, if you have the right vehicle and skills, and follow the rules.  At the beginning of the hill is a warning sign “Soft Sand”.  There’s no paved turn-around at the bottom.  You can walk down the ramp road or the steps alongside it.  The restrooms, marked accessible, are about halfway down the hill, and there’s a bench in front of them in case you need a rest or just want to enjoy the view from there.  At the bottom of the hill is a is another warning, “Deep Sand, Drive with Caution” and a sign prohibiting ATVs on the beach.  The only parking down there is on the sand.  http://www.seagullmoteloregon.com/
   The south end of NW Harbor Ave T’s into NW 12th St, from which you can turn south again on NW Inlet Ave, which has several other ocean front accommodations, and ends at Kyllo’s, a popular restaurant for which you should have reservations.  Alternatively, you can go east on 14th, 13th, 12th, or 6th to get back to Hwy 101.  
NE 6th St south to 35th, more beach access & points of interest
    Heading east of Hwy 101 on  NE Sixth Dr will quickly take you to Devils Lake State Recreation/Devils Lake State Park, where there’s camping and access to the SW end of Devils Lake.  It was emphatically closed when I was there, and had a lot of flooded parking and parts.  Just south of 6th St and Hwy 101 is the Lincoln City Cultural Center (closed when I was there), and apparently where they hold their farmer’s market in season.  I hope to be able to explore those in future.
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=155 
  • https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/devils-lake-state-recreation-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402130
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/culture-history/cultural-center/
    Go west on NE 1st St (south of Comfort Inn & Suites) to get to “Hostetler Park – Snuggled right next to the World’s Shortest River, Hostetler Park is perfect for an evening stroll, leading to the Devils Lake Boardwalk trail. Bring your walking shoes and watch for D River wildlife like seagulls, ducks, and herons.”  I see a parking area, some grassy area, picnic tables.  Once you walk back uphill to Hwy 101, you can walk or roll along a flat sidewalk to D River State Rec Site/D River Beach Wayside, across Hwy 101 (traffic signal at the entrance) and right at the beach.  It’s a really great place even just to eat lunch overlooking the ocean if you can get a good spot. There’s quite a lot of parking (which still might fill at peak times), flush restrooms not marked accessible, picnic tables, benches, a scope for scoping out the sea sights, beach access, lots of gulls, and several hotels in walking distance.  Ordinarily there are June and October Kite Festivals.
  • Hostetler Park https://www.lincolncity.org/ed_pd_ne1st
  • D River State Rec Site https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=154
  • summer kite festival https://www.oregoncoast.org/events/annual/summer-kite-festival/
  • fall kite festival https://www.oregoncoast.org/events/annual/fall-kite-festival/
  To get to the beach access at SW 11th St, take SW Galley Dr on the north side of Lincoln City Hall/Library/Culinary Center to SW 7th St past the tiny Vic Hill Memorial Park with its one picnic table, turn south in a block onto SW Fleet Ave, to SW 9th St, go west a short block to SW 11th Dr, follow it to Canyon Drive Park with parking/bike racks, restrooms/warm showers, drinking fountain, lawn area & wetlands, and the 11th St beach access across the street. As you drive south past Canyon Drive Park the road literally turns into SW Coast Ave.  When you come to SW Bard Rd, turn east on it to access the Agnes Creek Open Space parking & trails. 
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/culture-history/culinary-center/
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/4_Simplified_Agnes_Creek_-_North-South_8x11__20200820.pdf
   You can persevere East/Northeast on SW Bard Rd back to Hwy 101, then south on Hwy 101 to SE 32nd St, east to SE Harbor Dr to SE Spy Glass Ridge Drive where you will find the Spyglass Ridge Trailhead.  The little icon shows a walking hiker, not a wheeler.   Trail map below.  If instead you want to get to the beach, take SW 32nd St west past Rock Your World rock/gem/jewelry, then south on SW Anchor Ave to Nelscott Beach access just south of 33rd, with a small parking area, bike rack, bench, picnic table, spyglass for far-out ocean views.  South of there is the Sandcastle Motel and then the 35th St beach access with a restroom marked accessible, parking (also accessible), & benches without backs.  Return to Hwy 101 going east on 35th St, and you’ll see a public parking lot:  the Christmas Cottage to the north, and looking up to the Chocolate Frog to the south. 
  • https://www.lincolncity.org/vertical/sites/%7BDDC39B4D-9F7A-4251-AEA0-F594E7F89DDB%7D/uploads/5_Simplified_Spyglass_8x11_20200820__optimized.pdf
  • Nelscott https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/explore-lincoln-city/nelscott
South Lincoln City & Historic Taft
   A bit south of 35th St, off Highway 101, is the Lincoln City 6, movie theatres (temporarily closed by COVID).  When they can open again check what’s playing at the link below, or there’s the Bijou Theatre a couple blocks north of NE 14th St (Prehistoric rock shop mentioned above is at NE 14th St).
  • Lincoln City 6 theaters http://www.catheatres.com/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=32
  • Bijou Theatre https://www.cinemalovers.com/
    Lincoln City Glass Center, where you can watch or create your own objet d’art, and North Lincoln County Historical Museum are in the historic Taft district.  Watch for them between SW 48th and SW 50th on Hwy 101.  Turn west on SW 51st St (north of Waters Edge Condos).  Right of the Historic Taft District gateway arch is public parking.  Little homes and medium hotels line the street on your way to the beach and eats.  Parking runs right down the center of the street on the west end.  There’s more public parking off SW 50th.   Taft Bayfront Park has restrooms marked accessible, drinking fountains & footwash, covered picnic tables, what appeared to be an accessible fishing pier, interpretive signs, as well as beach access. 
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/beaches-water/siletz-bay/historic-taft-district/
  • https://www.lincolncityglasscenter.com/
  • http://www.northlincolncountyhistoricalmuseum.org/ includes a 2.5 min video
  • https://www.beachcombersnw.com/waters-edge-condos
    Easy to miss immediately south of Waters Edge Condos is Siletz Bay Park, right on the water.  It’s a small park, but has restrooms marked accessible, picnic tables, grill, a small gazebo, and a small parking lot (w/accessible space).  
  • https://www.oregoncoast.org/things-to-do/beaches-water/siletz-bay/access/
  • https://www.oregonbeachvacations.com/condominiums/waters-edge
Accommodations and Restaurants
   There’s no shortage of places to stay right on the ocean at Lincoln City.  This time I stayed at The Inn at Spanish Head.  From the highway it looks inconspicuous.  But the video on their website shows the 10 floors facing the ocean.  If you get excited to go, get reservations to assure either a room or a table.  The lobby is on the 9th floor, the one you reach when you pull off Hwy 101.  Parking is on the east side of the highway, on a steep hill.  From the north you pull off at the hotel entrance and go through the tunnel under the highway.  From the south you exit right to the parking lot.  https://www.spanishhead.com/ 
   Fortunately for us disabled folk they offer free valet parking.  Just pull into the handicapped spot right at the hotel entrance.  Either just get out and go in, or call and ask for assistance.  The staff is friendly and helpful.
   I was pleased that the handicapped rooms are right on the same floor with the lobby.  I had a marvelous view through the sliding door of my room.  The deck is ample, had a bit of plastic seating.
   I was pleased to find my accessible room had a kitchenette, including a small stove w/oven, toaster, pots & pans, dishes (though I couldn’t reach upper cupboards where probably the glasses were), not too small a frig, microwave, coffee maker.  Although the room had only one king size bed, there was a pull-out couch.  Plenty of pillows on the bed, extras in a drawer.  The fireplace didn’t work.  They had a TV and video player, extra cushie chair, table & chairs for 4.   The bathroom had a roll-in shower and shower chair, pedestal sink.  No cups.  Towels were in reach, but be sure to have the hand-held shower lowered for use (and get a glass/cup for getting a drink in the night, or don't forget your bottled water as I did). 
   Fathoms is the restaurant on the 10th floor with magnificent views and a separate bar.  The waiter at dinner was the epitome of kind and polite.  The clam chowder was good, and the seafood medley was a delicious pasta & creamy pesto dish, though I thought another prawn or two would have been appropriate.  It was served with sourdough bread, which most seem to like, but I’m not a sourdough fan.  For breakfast I purposely ordered more than I could eat, so I could take the rest to go.  I started with a hot chocolate, which was large, and chocolatey—I would have liked more a milk chocolate, personally.  The stuffed crème brûlée French toast was to die for, and the breakfast skillet was good, too.
Other hotels & restaurants previously visited
   Mar 30, 2019:  “I had reservations for Best Western Plus Landmark Inn in Lincoln City, for Sat night.  Disappointed that it has no ocean view, but delighted the pool has a lift for handicapped persons, I could swim away my sorrows.    The room was clean with a pleasant decor, and an ADA bathroom.   We utilized the laundry room.  Our room had a door to the parking lot, so it was easy to unload and load the luggage.  The complimentary breakfast was superb.”  Posted 10-30-2019 photos at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/whale-watching-at-depoe-bay
   Aug 22, 2017 after watching the Great Eclipse in Albany OR and staying overnight in Newport OR, I ended up staying a night at the Shearwater Inn in Lincoln City because a crash on Hwy 101 had stopped up traffic so bad.  It was not a handicapped room, but the staff was so kind and accommodating, and even took off the bathroom door, beside taking care of my luggage for me.  It was still a small bathroom, but workable for me.  The room was a delight:  light and pleasant, a sliding door with a beach view from the bed, and a working gas fireplace.  It seems like they hosted a small social with cookies and drinks in the lobby each evening.
   Nov 2020 on our way home from Newport we stopped to eat in Lincoln City at the 60s Café & Diner, in Lighthouse Square.  I had to make a change, and their restroom was large and manageable, but maybe could have used a little more care.  I told my travel helper to go ahead and order and start eating because it takes me so long.  He greatly enjoyed his burger before I got back to the table.  I had a sandwich and coleslaw that I enjoyed as well.  The meals were filling.  I think we each also had a cup of good clam chowder.

This is a lengthy post for just a one-night stay, and I plan to go back this summer for crabbing.  Maybe I'll see you there!
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Columbia Gorge Waterfalls--The Historic Columbia River Highway, old US-30

12/23/2020

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     You can access The Historic Columbia River Highway, old US-30, off I-84 from
  • Exit 17 through historic downtown Troutdale
  • Exit 18 south past Lewis & Clark State Park
  • Exit 22 south up the NE Corbett Hill Rd
  • Exit 28 (eastbound) to E Bridal Veil Rd (Bridal Veil Falls will be to the west on the Historic Hwy)
  • Exit 35 the exit for Ainsworth State Park/Dodson; east of there, US-30 and I-84 are the same until Mosier, except for some business routes through towns like Cascade Locks
     I recommend traveling west to east on the old Hwy 30, as it is narrow, winding, and the north side declines precipitously from the ledge-like edge of the road.
 
     I took exit 22 up NE Corbett Hill Rd for another look at Vista House.  Corbett is an easy-on-the-eyes farming community up the hill from Troutdale OR.   The residents love where they live.
  • https://www.corbettoregon.com/
  • https://www.corbettoregon.com/kerslake-farms/ 100+ yr old family farm, slide show
  • https://oldmcdonaldsfarm.org/ kid activities/programs at Old McDonald’s Farm
 
    Since it was on the way, I turned out at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint.  Wow!  I’m so glad I did.  Even though it was a rather rainy, blustery day, it’s a stupendous view of the Columbia River Gorge, including Beacon Rock and Vista House.  There’s a small parking lot, accessible information and interpretive exhibits, drinking fountain, benches. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=119

     Traveling onward in the quest to reach Vista House is a small pull-out with a nice little outlook, just west within sight of Vista House.  VH was closed and barricaded for COVID  in 2020.  The prospect of the Gorge from parking or walking around VH was still marvelous. 
  • https://vistahouse.com/
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=108 says flush restrooms are accessible; slides show accessibility of Vista House parking and ramp, but not the restroom
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2FVistaHouse_Brochure_web095533.pdf brochure w/map of falls further on & their amenities (inclu ADA features)
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOzC9IcG6I&ab_channel=PippiPeterson 5 min video of traveling the Columbia River Gorge, including waterfalls & aerial views of Vista House
 
Excellent video "Water Falls Along the Historic Columbia River Highway" by John Williams’ “Accessible Adventures” posted October 2012
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE2CLnkVSVo&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=ForestService
 
8 min video “King of Roads, the Historic Columbia River Highway” for the centennial in 2016
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx98p6uEdOA&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=JohnHardham
 
3 min video “Day Trip! The Columbia River Gorge”,  views of the gorge and waterfalls
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrMrOgU4fyo&ab_channel=dailyemerald
 
US Forest Service Virtual Ranger--Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area videos
  • https://www.facebook.com/watch/crgnsa/
 
     I visited
  • Latourell Falls/Guy W. Talbot State Park
  • Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint (parking lot)
  • Wahkeena Falls
  • Multnomah Falls
  • Horsetail Falls
 
Latourell Falls/Guy W. Talbot State Park
     There can be a little confusion about Guy W. Talbot State Park and Latourell Falls.  There’s an upper and a lower part of this park.  You might be led to take NE Latourell Rd/NE Park St. down to the little community of Latourell, to the state park picnic area there.  And it’s a nice place for a picnic, especially for a group or on a hot day:  lots of trees, room to roam and run, picnic tables, kitchen shelter with electricity and water (when the drainage is fixed).  The web page below says there are flushing toilets, and the upper part of the park has a vault toilet, so the flushing restroom must be at this lower part of the park.  They are not marked accessible.  Street parking is somewhat limited, but the website says it is not a much-used park.  A local I met there said that the grassy open space across from the park belongs to it, so you could park there according to him.  There’s a paved trail, but it looked too hearty a hill for me to try on my own in a manual wheelchair.
     To see the falls, go a little further on old Hwy 30, right by the quaint old bridge is a parking area, picnic tables, vault toilets, interpretive signs, trails (mostly not accessible), a nice accessible viewing area of the falls. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=112
 
Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint (parking lot)
     I wasn’t going to stop here because my information at the time said it was not accessible.  Yet since I was going right by, I decided to pull in.  The falls aren’t accessible by wheelchair, but apparently a viewpoint of the Columbia River is (.5 mi), and the restrooms as well.  Right by the parking are picnic tables in a grassy green--not a lot for the popularity of the place. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=107  includes slides of accessibility
 
Wahkeena Falls
     I was delighted by the accessibility at Wahkeena Falls, upgraded 2014.  Steps still climb the steep slope to the viewing area for those who want the workout, but now there is also a picturesque accessible ramp up.  One of the interpretive signs still requires stepping up to it, or magnification to scope it out.  Through the trees as you roll/stroll up the paved path you can glimpse the falls, but then from the view platform you can see the falls and the rush of the stream as it goes right by.  When I was there in 2020, they had the viewing area and parking across the road barricaded off, probably to limit visitors because of COVID-19.
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29996  link to a 5 min accessibility video
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQjG_Q3gps&ab_channel=ForestService 5 min video (above)
 
Multnomah Falls
Reviewed at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/columbia-gorge-or-i-84
 
Horsetail Falls
     You can see Horsetail falls up close as you drive by on old Hwy 30, but it is so worth pulling into the parking and crossing over to the accessible picnic and viewing area.  True there are still steps down to the pool at the bottom of the falls, and the trail up the steep hill is an impossibility for a wheelchair, but enjoy your stop and stay awhile.  A large interpretive sign tells about nature around the falls.
  • Virtual Ranger 5 min video Horsetail Falls trail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbgLNYwFkh0&ab_channel=ForestService
  • See also https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29934
 
     Interestingly, US-30 is the 3rd longest highway in the US—over 3000 miles from Astoria to Atlantic City NJ.  Its Oregon portion is the longest road in the state of Oregon:  477 miles.  There’s the section from Astoria to Portland, the Portland area, and from Portland to the Idaho border just east of Ontario.  The section through the Columbia Gorge was designed to showcase the waterfalls and other scenic wonders and was built 1913-1922, named US-30 in 1926.  While much of US-30 now coincides with I-84 along the Columbia River, the most scenic portions are now called The Historic Columbia River Highway and are owned by Oregon.  With the construction of I-84, parts of old Hwy 30 were destroyed, and Oregon is restoring undrivable portions of it as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. It's paved and quite a bit of it is wheelchair accessible, though may require a helper for a manual wheelchair.  Preciptation may further limit wheelchair safety on the trail.
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=77764 Waterfall Corridor
  • https://www.oregon.com/attractions/historic-columbia-river-highway a few points of interest
  • https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-030h-or/ around Biggs Junction
  • http://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/us-route-30columbia-river-highway-old.html​  part 1 history, part 2 drive details & photos of the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Gorge, part 3 drive details & photos US-30 Astoria to Portland
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Columbia_River_Highway more details and history
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_30_in_Oregon
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_30
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Columbia Gorge--OR, I-84

12/15/2020

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Picture
    The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area begins at Troutdale OR in the west and runs 80 miles along I-84 to Biggs Junction, 20 mi east of The Dalles.  I-84 and Hwy 30 are a little like the river itself, sometimes running the same course, sometimes separating, only to rejoin further down the road.  Read about the interesting connection between I-84 & Hwy 30 and their history at
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_84_(Oregon%E2%80%93Utah)
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=82345
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2F%2F44294_Gorge_Brochure%28web%29092931.pdf
 
Here are places along I-84 through the Gorge going east:
  • Troutdale—exit 17
  • Lewis & Clark State Recreation Site and the Sandy River Delta—exit 18
  • Rooster Rock State Park—exit 25
  • Benson Lake State Park—exit 30, eastbound
  • Multnomah Falls—exit 31
  • Ainsworth State Park—exit 35
  • Bonneville Dam—exit 40
  • Eagle Creek Rec/Fish Hatchery--41
  • Cascade Locks—exit 44
  • Herman Creek Campground/Trailhead--abt 3 mi east of Cascade Locks on Hwy 30
  • Wyeth Campground—exit 51
  • Starvation Creek –exit 55
  • Viento State Park—exit 56
  • Mitchell Point Overlook—exit 58
  • Hood River—exits 62-64
  • Koberg Beach State Recreation Site—exit 66
  • Mosier—exit 69
  • Memaloose rest area/State Park—exit 73 (11 mi west of The Dalles)
  • Mayer State Park—exit 76 to the north, across the RR tracks
  • Rowena—exit 76 to the south
  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center—exit 82
  • The Dalles—exits 83-85 (also 82 and 87)
  • US-197 (Dufur, Bend)—exit 87
  • The Dalles Dam—exit 88 (also 85)
  • Deschutes State Park, Celilo Park—exit 97
  • Biggs Junction, US-97 (Yakima/Bend)—exit 104
 
Car-free travel in the Columba Gorge
  • https://columbiagorgeexpress.com/ all buses lift equipped,
  • https://columbiagorgeexpress.com/transit-connections
  • https://www.columbiagorgecarfree.com/ “Explore the Gorge by foot, bike, bus, t rain”
 
Troutdale OR—exit 17
     Traveling I-84 what you see of Troutdale is the Columbia Gorge Outlet Mall, but if you take exit 17 and explore a little, you’ll discover some delightful spots.  From NW Frontage Rd, take Graham Rd up the hill to E Columbia River Hwy and turn east to quaint and historic downtown Troutdale.  The Depot Rail Museum is at the east end of that, at 473 E Historic Columbia River Hwy. Next to that is Depot City Park.  For more parks in Troutdale and nearby, see links below.
  • https://shopcolumbiagorgeoutlets.com/
  • https://www.troutdalehistory.org/
  • https://www.troutdaleoregon.gov/publicworks/page/parks-and-greenways
  • Imagination Station playground at Reynolds HS https://www.google.com/maps/place/Imagination+Station/@45.5269861,-122.3938514,14z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x5495a16688c72099:0x21c51078cfe4e92e!2sTroutdale,+OR+97060!3b1!8m2!3d45.5407696!4d-122.3906213!3m4!1s0x54959808740c2de5:0xb7eb9e1155372326!8m2!3d45.5281217!4d-122.4055052
  • Dabney State Recreation Area https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=110
     Or, you can take exit 18, go south past Lewis & Clark State Rec Site on Columbia River Hwy (day use)
  • Oxbow Regional Park reviewed at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/oxbow-regional-park-oregon
 
     Troutdale is on the west side of the Sandy River.  On the east bank of the Sandy River is Lewis & Clark State Recreation Site . . .
 
Lewis & Clark State Recreation Site (day use)—exit 18, go south
     Summer splashers in the stream of the Sandy River meet your longing look as you drive south of I-84 on the Historic Columbia River Hwy (US-30).  That’s on the right.  On the left you’ll see vehicles parked along the road, and what appears to be a parking lot that was blocked when I was there.  A sign shows species of fish that can be caught also swimming in the stream.  Folk with fishing poles walk along the river looking for likely spots. 
     A bit further south is the official sign for the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Site.  It’s a welcome sight with green grass, shade trees, picnic places, paved parking, paved trails (some rather narrow and not exactly flat), and great interpretive signs about Lewis & Clark, Native Americans, and native species.  There’s a flushing restroom and water faucets.  There’s a large field for running and roaming. 
     While I was there a pick-up truck came with a bed full of grocery bags of food.  A man appeared to be handing them out to grateful people.  A couple of those people took advantage of the faucet to wash hair.  It’s a day use area, so later I asked a person I met on the trail along the river whether the people lived there or just came for meals.  She wasn’t sure, but didn’t think they lived there.  A roll of TP in the bushes along the river might be from picnickers or other persons. 
     A paved path along the river is accessible if crossing the road with care.  It’s a nice stroll/roll.  It has some hills, not extraordinarily strenuous, but enough to give a workout. There are some steps down to the beach, but there is an area not so steep, though not necessarily a wheelchair way.   
     A little south beyond Lewis & Clark Rec site a bridge crosses to the west into Troutdale and along that side of the river is the Glenn Otto Community Park with a swimming beach, forest trails, picnic shelters & a playground.  At that intersection on the east bank of the river is an historical marker about the Sandy River from 1792 and on. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=116
​​ 
Sandy River Delta (day use)—exit 18, go north
     This is a US Forest Service fee area, a popular dog walking and hiking area.  The parking area is packed, but a person I talked to said that there are enough trails they are not crowded.  “Five miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails offer year-round recreation. East of the buck and rail fence, a closed Wildlife Habitat Zone supports migratory birds and wildlife.”   “Confluence Trail - A 1.25 mile gravel ADA trail leading to an eliptical bird blind designed by Maya Lin, made possible by our partners at Confluence Project. Please leash dogs with 100 feet along this trail. The bird blind, comprised of black locust slats, list all the species encountered by Lewis and Clark during the 1904-1906 Corps of Discovery expedition. Listen to Confluence's audio tour” on the site: 
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29976
Accessible vault toilets, no potable water. 
 
 
Viewpoint/Historic Marker Broughton’s Expedition—milepost 23, Tunnel Point; westbound only
Also called Corbet Viewpoint, about 20 mi east of Portland        
  • ​https://oregontic.com/oregon-historical-markers/broughtons-expedition/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corbett,_Oregon
 
Rooster Rock State Park (day use)—exit 25
     A great gathering place, or to take the family for a day to picnic & play in the river or playground, enjoy natural beauty, learn a little history about Lewis & Clark, or just take a potty break.  It does cost to park.  When I’ve been there was plenty of parking during 2020 COVID cares, but it may be different through a regular hot summer season.  The park is a long stretch along the river with tables and grills almost close enough to touch the water.  If you do want to touch it, there are stairs down to the beach.  Drinking water and somewhat accessible flushing restrooms take care of necessaries. Additional amenities include trails, disc golf, windsurfing when the winds come sweeping down the gorge.  The site says it has accessible fishing and boat launch.  There are reservable group picnic shelters with extra tables in the open, and horseshoes. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=126
 
Benson Lake State Park (day use)—exit 30, eastbound only
     This park was closed whenever we traveled on I-84 in 2020.  Amenities indicated on the site are:  picnic, flush restrooms, swim, exhibits, and accessible fishing.  There’s a day-use fee.  See
  • ​https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=106
 
Multnomah Falls (day use, restaurant)—exit 31, watch for it on the left
     Multnomah Falls is tremendously popular and for good reason, both for beauty and ease of visiting.  Because of that it was closed for much of 2020.  When the Lodge was open again for dining in, I took opportunity to go.  The decrease in crowds for COVID created a greater opportunity for photography.  As a paraplegic, having forgot how steep the access, I thought I could just go on my own.  I was very fortunate that people were so kind as to offer to push me up those hills even to the Lodge and to the lowest level of viewing area.    
     Park Rangers had a small booth open at the Lodge during COVID restrictions, but with great maps and advice about the gorge and the most accessible waterfalls.  The gift shop was full of beautiful and fun things.  I really enjoyed the chili & jalapeno cornbread and wasn’t disappointed in trying the homemade clam chowder.  You can also get food outdoors at the snack bar, and outdoor tables are nicely situated and pleasant.  The Lodge has an accessible restroom on the west end.  Access to the restaurant is an elevator in that end.  The restrooms in the restaurant are not accessible. 
     A grassy island in the parking area has a gazebo of tourist info for the state, including pamphlets you can take, with a plea not to litter.  If you aren’t interested in keeping it, please return it to where you got it.
     An excellent video done by John Williams, “Accessible Adventures” below
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVp04izP2TU&list=ULeNHJxWfcjeU&index=156&ab_channel=ForestService
  • See also   https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30026
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd575269.pdf favorite map, shows amenities
  • http://www.columbiarivergorge.info/maps.html map PDFs of the Gorge
  • https://columbiagorgetomthood.com/maps-columbia-river-gorge/  more maps, attractions, etc.
  • https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1102
 
Ainsworth State Park (camping & day use)
—exit 35

     Ainsworth is not a large park, for day use it has picnic tables along Hwy 30, a restroom, and drinking water.  I was frustrated that it was closed for so long in the summer of 2020, but when I was able to access it, I could see why.  The fire damage of the season was up close and personal.  It’s not the first time the gorge has been closed for natural disaster, such as fire and landslides from sogged out soils.  Camping is normally available.
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=105
     From exit 35 you can access the Historic Columbia River Highway, Hwy 30 east or west.  I don’t recommend going west on it, because it is narrow and the downside is very close and in need of shoring up and repair. 
  • https://www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/historic-columbia-river-highway.aspx
 
Bonneville Dam (day use)—exit 40
     I have been anxious to compare the dams on the Columbia River from the Oregon side, the Bonneville Dam in particular, to the Washington side for years, but the Oregon dams (I should say Visitor Centers) have been closed pretty much all of 2020.  I’ll have to continue waiting for a chance.  In the meantime, here’s some info to plan a visit https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/bonneville/
 
Eagle Creek Rec/Fish Hatchery (day use & camping)—41
     Eagle Creek Recreation and fish hatchery were fenced off.  When they open again, it will be a great place to visit.  Looks like it’s a popular place, so hopefully there’ll be a chance..
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29910
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29906
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5DzGrDp5Xw&ab_channel=ReviewOutdoorGear 4 min video 
 
Cascade Locks (day use & camping, hotels & restaurants)—exit 44
     Cascade Locks is a tidy little town of about 1200 population.  It identifies itself as the Heart of the Gorge.  From here you can cross the Bridge of the Gods north to Washington State, travel east or west on either I-84 or the  Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30), ride the Sternwheeler riverboat on a tour up the river (with or without dinner), hike/bike various trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, camp, boat, fish, or take a sweet little honeymoon/weekend away.   Of course, there’s more than one way to get most anywhere, but exit 44 is the most direct route to Cascade Locks off I-84, even if it doesn’t seem so. http://www.cascadelocks.com/ has links to a couple short videos (Grant’s Getaways).
     The Marine Park near the embarkation point of the Sternwheeler has a fun playground, picnic tables and shelters (it can be windy), a group pavilion, lots of room to run, statuary (including Sacajawea and Seaman of the Lewis & Clark team—Sacajawea is depicted for a bit modern penchant).  While you await your trip upriver you can check out the Visitor Center gift shop and the Locks Waterfront Grill.
  • https://portofcascadelocks.org/sternwheeler-columbia-gorge/
     If you live in a wheelchair, some of those activities are limited.  The neat old Historical Museum is not wheelchair accessible.  When we rode the Sternwheeler there was no way to get us on the upper deck, so it was not really a pleasant ride or easy view of anything from the bow of the boat.  We were not on a dining cruise, so the dining room was unpeopled, but it looked like it would be far too crowded for a wheelchair to maneuver.  Naturally during COVID that might be different, but the views would still be very disappointing, unless things have changed since we went several years ago.
  • Cascade Motel Cottages & Studios http://cascadelocksmotel.com/accommodation/
  • Bridge of the Gods Motel & RV Park https://www.yellowpages.com/cascade-locks-or/mip/bridge-of-the-gods-motel-rv-park-8117571
  • Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-cascade-locks/best-western-plus-columbia-river-inn/propertyCode.38130.html

​ Herman Creek Campground—about 3 miles east of Cascade Locks on Hwy 30
     Less than 3 miles east of Cascade Locks, Herman Creek Campground is a small spot for camping/horse camping and a superb hiking trail.  “A parade of waterfalls, innumerable moss-carpeted creeks, a sub-alpine lake and ridge top vistas offer a variety of scenery for the equestrian or hiker.”  It was closed in 2020 when I went.
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53122
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29926

Wyeth Campground (day use & camping)—exit 51
     At the Wyeth Trailhead there’s a picnic table, vault toilets marked accessible, information signs, and flat paved walkways easy for a wheelchair.  It would be a pleasant little picnic and stroll/roll.  The campground was closed for COVID when I was there in 2020.  It’s small and popular, so you have to reserve early.  Only 2 sites are first come first serve.  Best suited for tent camping the site says, but claims flush toilets and 10 accessible camp spots. 
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30008
 
Starvation Creek State Park (day use)–exit 55, east bound only
     This was such a happy discovery—what a joy and a delight!  It’s a small park with a small parking area, picnic table by the parking, informative signs about the area and the details of trails (map, vertical trends, etc), accessible flushing restrooms, and a pretty waterfall and stream that are closely accessible with a little help and includes 2 picnic tables in view.  There are further paved trails, including the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, that I’d love to explore another day (it’s only a mile on an accessible paved trail to Viento State Park).  For a manual wheelchair you should bring a helper;  it can be kind of a stiff climb.  Link below includes a link to a great brochure, and a great detailed map. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=122
 
Viento State Park (day use & camping)—exit 56
     With a name like Viento (wind), this park reminds one of a characteristic of the Gorge that some love (windsurfers, for instance), and others not so much.  For access to the river and RV camping, go toward the north campground and day use area.  For tent camping and accessing the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.  “Viento State Park is also a trailhead for a universally accessible 5.6-mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.”  It’s only a mile to Starvation Creek State Park.
     Park amenities include flush toilets and hot showers, 2 ADA campsites (though there are several flat ones in the RV campground), and some with nice river views.  There’s a playground as well, generally firewood for sale, and interpretive signs.  The website says you’ll have a better chance of finding a place to camp here than other area campgrounds are full. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=123
 
Mitchell Point Overlook (Wygant State Park, day use)—exit 58
     Don’t overlook this overlook!  It’s a terrific view of the Columbia River, and has informative interpretive signs.  The road up the hill is rather narrow for 2-way traffic, but maybe not impossible if the vehicles aren’t too wide.  Two trails begin here.  The beginning of Wygant Trail is wide, flat, and paved, a part of the old Historic Columbia River Highway.  You’ll see it to the right, blocked to cars, as you get close to the parking lot.  After the initial accessibility, Wygant trail takes a turn at switchbacks for a steep ascent and views for those that are able.  The Mitchell Point trail is considerably shorter, with “incredible” views of the river, but it’s quite steep right from the parking lot, not as wide or paved.  There’s a vault toilet in the parking lot, marked accessible. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=125
 
Hood River (day & night venues, restaurants & hotels)—exits 62-64
  • https://hoodriver.org/
  • https://cityofhoodriver.gov/public-works/parks/
  • https://hoodriverparksandrec.org/
     Take exit 62 to get to the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.  It is worth checking Google maps before you go:  it’s not an easy straight-forward way there, and not an excess of road signs to comfort your heart as you keep going and going and going.  But once you get there, you will be ever so glad that you did!  Exceptional views of both Mt Hood and Mt Adams are just the beginning of the rewards.  There’s picnicking, room for kids to run, various events (when life is normalized), vehicles to look at before you even go inside.  Right away you’re in the good-sized gift shop, with an area for eating off to the right.  You pay for your ticket(s) and go on inside to be awe-struck by all the antiques—not “just” cars and airplanes, but all sorts of vehicles and items from bygone eras.  Just when you think you have seen it all, there’s a whole other area to see.  That other area is quaintly bordered like an antique town.  The usual monthly events were cancelled due to COVID in 2020, so finally we just went to see what we could see.  It just so happened that the National Guard flew in from Spokane that day, and we were able to get a look into their helicopters and ask questions of the pilots.  Not a bad consolation prize.
  • https://www.waaamuseum.org/
     Another day another “we” went out to get a better chance to check out the Waterfront Park.  Previously we happened on a day when an event was occupying all the space, and it was impossible to find parking, though we were able to drive out The Hook and see the windsurfers get out on the water.  Waterfowl also swim there.  It’s a gravel road, but there are some picnic tables and a porta potty (not accessible).  That’s the west end of the waterfront park.  The east end is the marina, with its park and the Hood River County Museum.​
  • https://portofhoodriver.com/waterfront-recreation
  • https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/
  • http://www.columbiarivergorge.info/the-hook.html
     The Waterfront Park is a family friendly place with a playground, picnicking (including reservable picnic shelter), wide paved trails, sheltered swimming beach, well-used accessible restrooms, amphitheater for events.  Across the street are restaurants/breweries.  I recommend reservations, as we were unable to get any reasonable wait time for dinner.
     The next closest place to eat was Riverside, at the Best Western Hood River Inn.  The only waterfront restaurant, it does occupy a privileged and popular position.  It was dark when we got there so we couldn’t see the view of the river, though the decks were lighted, had outdoor heating, and were not uncomfortable.  Without reservations, we did have a wait.   Of course, they could not accommodate as many hungry humans as usual because of COVID restrictions in 2020.  Lots of burgers were on the menu, as well as pastas and seafood.  Our dinner was very good.  The friendly waitress kept us supplied with delicious bread as we waited at the table they were finally able to give us.  As an appetizer we had the garlic-rosemary fondue with pita wedges, grilled asparagus & broccoli.  Our entrees were fish (cod) and chips in substantial portions, and a pasta dish with an Italian sausage.  We were too full for dessert.  Only one restroom was set aside for the disabled, and it was not at all wheelchair friendly.  I was fortunate that a gas station convenience store with a useable restroom was within rolling distance.
  • http://riversidehoodriver.com/
     One of the most well known of the Hood River adventures is the Mount Hood Railroad, with its scenic rides and events.  In ordinary years you can take an excursion in spring when all the orchards are in blossom, experience a pretend train robbery, ride a mystery train, or feel the magic of a Christmas train. 
  • https://www.mthoodrr.com/
     The other most famous of things to do in Hood River is to drive the Fruit Loop.  Local orchards sell their fruit fresh and juicy (some U-pick), as well as various crafts, activities, and events—in the fall many have apple tasting, and cider, so you can find the varieties you can’t live without.  Various varieties of peaches and pears are popular in their seasons. A friend told me not to miss the alpacas:  Draper Girls Country Farm (has a petting zoo) and Wy’East Vineyards have them?  
  • https://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
See also
  • https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/hood-river-fruit-loop/
     Exit 64 can take you north across the Hood River [toll] Bridge to White Salmon WA, or south on Hwy 35—one of
3 ways to get to Bend OR 
  • Hwy 35 at Hood River
  • Hwy 197 at The Dalles
  • Hwy 97 at Biggs Junction).
  • https://portofhoodriver.com/bridge/
     Hood River is on the east of Mt Hood, and Portland on the west, and you can do the Mt. Hood Columbia Gorge Loop by driving to Hood River through the Gorge, go south at exit 64 to take Hwy 35 until it reaches Hwy 26, which you can follow west to Gresham/Troutdale/Portland.  Alternatively, you can travel Hwy 26 to Hwy 35 and head north to Hood River, and from thence travel the Gorge back to where you came from.  It’s a way to access skiing, camping, fishing, or just a beautiful way to spend your day(s). 
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5227071.pdf
    
Koberg Beach State Recreation Site (day use, camping)—exit 66, westbound
     A rough triangle of 22 acres, including a rock outcrop, jutting into the Columbia River north of I-84, offering access to the river, swimming, fishing, restrooms.  Looks like the rest stop part doesn’t allow camping, beyond that is an RV/tenting area and a place to tie up boats on the river.  I can’t see a boat ramp from the satellite photo, but one site says there’s a launch—doesn’t say what kind of watercraft it’s for.  None of the sites have much about this little spot and they don’t all agree about the amenities.  There is a little interesting history about it at
  • ​https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/fishing/koberg-beach-state-recreation-site/
 
Mosier (daytime venues, restaurant)—exit 69
     A tiny town of less than 500 population, just 5 miles from Hood River, has at least 3 U-pick cherry orchards, condos on the hill above the highway (great view of the river, maybe some can be rented for vacation?), a swimming hole above a modest waterfall.  Totem Pole Plaza is gravel with picnic tables on US 30 going through town.  US-30 going east splits from I-84 at Mosier.  The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail comes right into town from the west.  There’s a waterfront park and windsurfing off Rock Creek Beach.
  • http://www.mosiercommunity.com/ click on “Explore” for things to do in Mosier
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosier,_Oregon
  • http://www.mosiercreek.com/ the condos on the hill above I-84, on Mosier Creek Place
  • https://www.theswimguide.org/beach/7819 Rock Creek windsurfing
  • U-pick cherries:  Root Orchards, Rosedale Fruit Farm, Evans Fruit Company
  • Mosier Company restaurant:  burgers, dogs, mac & cheese, pizza https://www.mosiercompany.com/
 
Memaloose rest area & State Park (day use, camping)—exit 73 (11 mi west of The Dalles)
     Here’s another place I was so very glad we went!  The day area restrooms were closed for COVID, but there was an easy accessible picnic table by the parking lot, and tables on concrete pads on the grassy park along the river.  Some of them have windbreaks.  A nice open structure holds interpretive signs about the Oregon Trail, including a great map showing clearly the river route and the Barlow Road route, along with modern highways.    The sidewalks are nice a wide.  The one drawback is that the ramp from parking down to the park is steep enough for me to need a helper.  The campground (RV & tenting) is pleasant with trees, picnic tables, fire pits.  Some are suitably flat for the disabled.  The site say there are accessible flush toilets, accessible hot showers, a playground, and a dump station.  Check the website to for closure info
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=118
 
Mayer State Park (day use area)—exit 76,
go north across the RR tracks

    This park has 3 parts:  east, mid, west.  You can go to the beach, flush restrooms, swimming, watersports, viewpoint; accessible picnicking, fishing pier, boat ramp, vault toilet.  Website shows photos of some accessible features. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117
  • https://www.stateparks.com/mayer_state_park_in_oregon.html
 
Rowena—exit 76, go south
     A tiny hamlet of about 200 population, 8 miles east of Mosier via i-84, 9 miles via US-30, which offers a spectacular view of the Columbia River at Rowena Crest (a short loop from Hwy 30), part of the Tom McCall Wilderness.
  • http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/rowena.html
  • https://thegorgeguide.com/rowena-crest-viewpoint/
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=221
  • https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rowena_Crest_Trailhead
 
                    
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum—exit 82
     Google might have you take exit 76 to get to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center via Hwy 30 from Rowena.  It’s a narrow road with a steep northern declination, so traveling east is not as bad as traveling west. 
     The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center (not to be confused with the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson WA) shares a beautiful rock and wood building with the Wasco County Historical Museum.  One to the left, one to the right as you enter.  Note the Columbia River embedded in stone (well, tiles) in the floor of the central corridor between the two.  The wall of windows at the end of that corridor is magnificent.
     The Wasco County Historical Museum showcases local wildlife (including a few live raptors, for  shows in normal times), children’s programs, Native Americans, history from Lewis & Clark through the Oregon Trail and the settlement and development of the county—agriculture, commerce & community, industries connected with fishing, river and rail transportation.
     The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center displays the natural history of the region from glacial times forward, complementary Native American displays, a huge carved sturgeon, more about Lewis & Clark, and other explorers, trappers & traders, traveling the river and other routes of the Oregon Trail, transportation by ship, rail, and road.  It gives a wider view of the dam and the gorge, and renewable energy.
     The intriguing Basalt Rock Café was closed for COVID in 2020.  The gift shop is full of wonderful things to catch your eye and pocketbook.  The restroom was pleasant and accessible.  Outdoors there’s an accessible paved trail along the river, picnic tables, an artistic water fountain or fall. 
     They have an event calendar, which unfortunately had to be cleared more than once due to state COVID restrictions (and we had so wanted to go to a cultural fair that was to happen fall of 2020), and you can arrange for business or private events, or educational ones, in normal times.
    Their website has a cool aerial video, as well as more information
  • https://www.gorgediscovery.org/
    Another great 5 min video by John Williams, “Accessible Adventures”
  • ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GdwwrRRrQ&ab_channel=ForestService

The Dalles Riverfront Trail is paved asphalt/concrete 9 mi from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to The Dalles Dam.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/riverfront-trail-at-the-dalles/
 
The Dalles—exits 83-85 (you can drive into town from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center,
or from exit 87)
  • http://www.ci.the-dalles.or.us/index.htm has a slide show at the top that gives interesting info
  • http://www.el.com/to/thedalles/
  • https://www.portofthedalles.com/ has a 3 min video about the region
     The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center gave us a map of The Dalles, and when I got home I was anxious to go back and take the self-guided mural tour around town.  The Dalles is not particularly inviting as you drive through on I-84, which bisects the town.  But once I got off the freeway I was much more favorably inclined.  A lot of history is to be seen and explored there.  Beside the wonderful murals (some needing a little refreshing), is the historic architecture, some repurposed, such as Old St Peter’s church, which has become an event venue, and Clock Tower Ales resides in the old Courthouse. 
     Take exit 85 off I-84, north to the Marina and Riverfront Park (what I could see coming off the freeway looked great, but it was temporarily closed) or south on Brewery Overpass Road to E. 2nd St, also called Mosier-The Dalles Hwy, which is the main road through town.  1st  St (one-way east), 2nd  St (one-way west), and 3rd St (one-way east) are the ones you’ll need to find the murals. 
​     Please note:  I could not take photos of the entire mural in some cases, due to the dimensions and parked cars blocking the view. There are more murals than I have shown in this post. 
     I suggest coming into town and traveling west on 2nd St. noting the historical murals, the historic Granada Theater on the corner of Washington St and the Columbia Gorge Veterans Museum (203 E. 2nd St) on the way to Pentland St, then turn south.  First street on your right is The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce (404 W. 2nd St).  Next street off Pentland St. is where you’ll find the Original Courthouse Museum (410 W. 2nd Place).  Pentland makes a T with W. 3rd St, which you can take east past Old St. Peter’s (Court St & E 3rd St), and continue east to see more murals and the Old Courthouse (Clocktower Ales) corner of Union St.  Next street east is Court St. where you’ll see The Dalles City Hall kitty corner to the National Neon Sign Museum (200 E 3rd St).  Check sites for closures.
  • https://thedalleschamber.com/ Chamber of Commerce
  • http://www.originalwascocountycourthouse.org/  Original Courthouse
  • https://oldstpeterslandmark.org/ Old St Peters (now called Landmark)
  • http://clocktowerales.com/ the old Courthouse
  • https://www.nationalneonsignmuseum.org/ National Neon Sign Museum
     I found the modest Lewis & Clark Festival Park off Union St., which has picnic tables on pavement, restrooms, building, parking, and commemorative Lewis & Clark fountain/statuary.  You can reserve it for your event.  From the park entrance you can go under a commemorative overpass to equally modest Dalles Columbia River Commercial Dock, which has a little interest but no parking allowed (except tour bus), and access to the wide, paved Riverfront Trail, much of it ADA. 
  • http://www.nwprd.org/rivertrail  
  • http://www.nwprd.org/parks more parks
     From Union Street you can travel east on 1st Street to see more murals.  Pull into the parking lot off 1st St and Federal St to see the cute little building that is now the Veterans Services building and Bus Stop (201 Federal St)—see  
  • https://gorgenewscenter.com/2020/09/04/proposed-new-bus-route-in-the-dalles-with-free-rides/
  • https://gorgetranslink.com/transit-agencies/the-link-dial-a-ride/
  • https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/
  • https://gorgetranslink.com/
     Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead (500 W 15th, Garrison St) and Columbia Gorge Community College (400 E Scenic Dr, close to Sorosis Park and reservoir) are a little more out of the way.  July 24, 2018 The Dalles Chronicle published an article about a shuttle service that was going to be piloted to connect the Chamber of Commerce with 10 stops in The Dalles, including the Fort Dalles Museum, downtown, The Dalles Dam Visitor Center, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
  • https://fortdallesmuseum.org/ Fort Dalles, homestead & antique vehicles
  • https://www.cgcc.edu/ campuses in The Dalles and Hood River
     I had intended to eat at Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie in The Dalles, because I had enjoyed one of their Portland metro locations, I knew they had a salmon dish I hoped to try, and I always prefer to eat where there’s a local connection.  But it was 3:15pm and they had closed at 3.  They are right on 2nd St, but with only street parking and I didn’t have a helper this trip, I didn’t feel up to getting out anyway.  I looked at some other restaurants, but with COVID closures I was getting low on options and high on hunger, so I decided to just try Montira’s Thai Cuisine.  What a fortunate accident!  I was impressed with their COVID precautions.  The guy cheerfully came out to take my order when I called requesting it so I wouldn’t have to get out of my car.  It turned out they not only had a salmon dish (Salmon on the Beach), they had a specialty The Dalles Ring of Fire.  The salmon was tender and fresh on a beach of curried vegetables done just right.  All of the food was good or great, except I’ve had better peanut sauce and what seemed to be a honey sweet & sour sauce. 
  • https://www.provencepdx.com/ Petite Provence
  • http://places.singleplatform.com/montiras-thai-cuisine/menu?ref=google  Montira’s Thai Cuisine
    
US-197 (The Dalles Bridge to WA going north; Dufur & Bend OR going south)—exit 87
     Great views of the west side of the dam, essentially in The Dalles, this exit offers access to
  • The Dalles Bridge (north to Dallesport WA), small 50th anniversary Bridge memorial on 197 near the Shilo Inn parking
  • The Dalles Dam Visitor Center via Bret Clodfelter Way (road bordering the south side of the Chevron)
  • Shilo Inn/Columbia Portage Grill and Comfort Inn Columbia Gorge
  • McDonalds and Chevron
 
The Dalles Dam—exit 88 (Visitor Center exit 85)
     Although closed/fenced/gated due to COVID restrictions in 2020, I pulled off here to get a photo of Mt Hood before losing sight of it down in the valley just west.  There were even better views east of the dam, but no where to pull off and picture them. 
  • https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/The-Dalles/ great info about recreation in the area, great map
 
Deschutes River State Recreation Area, and
Celilo Park—exit 97
     Camping, flush restrooms and hot showers are all labeled accessible on the Deschutes River site.  Not labeled as accessible are hiking trails, picnicking, viewpoint, horse trails, bike path, boat ramp, exhibit info, and fishing.  A heat warning says, “Heat starts to build by June, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and 100s [even up to 110 degrees].” No campfires during the summer months is a common restriction.  By way of persuasion, the site invites “rafting and world-class steelhead and trout fishing” as well as jetboating. Water is turned off in the winter. 
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=29
  • https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/deschutes-river-state-recreation-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402465
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deschutes_River_State_Recreation_Area along the Oregon Trail
     “Celilo Park is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is a small, well established park on the banks of the Columbia River.  Celilo Park offers free camping for RV camping and tent camping with a 14 day stay limit.  The park offers flush toilets but no showers.  The mature trees offer plenty of shade on summer days and picnickers are often found at the park.  On windy days Celilo Park is typically crowded with wind surfers.  A paved public boat ramp is available at the west end of Celilo Park and the park is close to convenience store shopping, fast food and gas in Biggs.  Open year round but reservations are not possible.”
  • http://www.columbiarivergorge.info/celilo-park.html
  • https://www.nps.gov/places/000/celilo-park.htm adds some Native American history, map OR Trail
 
Biggs Junction, US-97 (Yakima WA to the north; Bend OR to the south)—exit 104
     Sitting at the literal crossroads (US-97 and I-84), traveler trade is offered in the form of gas, food, and towing/repair/tire service.  Maryhill Museum of Art, Maryhill State Park, & Goldendale WA are just across the river to the north.
  • https://www.shermancountyoregon.com/sherman-county/sherman-county-towns/biggs/ history, map
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggs_Junction,_Oregon interesting info—brief
  • https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/ an eclectic museum of art and history; site includes online exhibits
  • https://parks.state.wa.us/543/Maryhill Columbia River access & recreation, camping (ADA), fishing
  • https://www.goldendalechamber.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2uH-BRCCARIsAEeef3mjpF8VSA7i-wosQ9PUv4uxOvscdlHnZ6zXfPiFPM7X9QwxMr1akE0aArBREALw_wcB Goldendale WA
4 Comments

Columbia Gorge--WA, Hwy 14

12/4/2020

2 Comments

 
    What’s to see along the north side of the Columbia River?  You can travel Hwy 14 east from Vancouver, WA  180 miles along the Columbia.  Also called the Evergreen Hwy, it’s a winding, picturesque road (especially in Fall), used by a number of commuters at the western end.  Here are some places to stop/explore:
 
Vancouver USA
Transit options
Camas-Washougal
Steamboat Landing Park
Capt. William Clark Park
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Mt. Pleasant
Cape Horn & Prindle
St. Cloud
Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Skamania & Sams Walker Day Use Area & Trail
Beacon Rock State Park
Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
North Bonneville & Dam
Bridge of the Gods (to Cascade Locks OR)
Skamania Lodge & Columbia Gorge Interpretive Ctr
Stevenson
Places further west on Hwy 14 to be added later.
 
Vancouver USA
     I have already posted some about the Vancouver area:
  • Vancouver City and Esther Short Park https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/esther-short-park-vancouver-wa
  • Vancouver Waterfront Park, Vancouver Lake Regional Park, Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/saturdays-and-other-days-in-the-parks
  • Fort Vancouver, w/Pearson Air Field & Museum https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/fort-vancouver-wa

Transit between Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, southeast Vancouver, east as far as Stevenson, Carson, Dog Mountain—WET bus, public Transit 509-427-3990
  • https://www.skamaniacounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=688
  • https://www.skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/senior-services/services/public-transportation
  • https://gorgetranslink.com/
 
Camas, WA—14 mi east of I-5, on Hwy 14
  • https://www.cityofcamas.us/index.php/play
  • http://www.cwchamber.com/cwdata/visitorsinforecreation/tabid/74/default.aspx
     Downtown Camas is quaint, with tree-lined streets and public art, lots of little shops, cute little restaurants, and the Liberty Theater, where you can see Classic Retro films for only $5, Ballet/Dance/Stage to Screen for about $15, and (UK) National Theatre Live/Opera about $18. 
  • https://www.camasliberty.com/  and
  • https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
     A friend and I ate at Tommy O’s—their Coconut Crunchy Shrimp was crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, surpassingly delectable; their Buddha Bowl was lovely and luscious; their plate of Island Favorites: pork belly fried rice and Kalua Pork was also good (curry macaroni salad was a bit dry).  We had a pleasant dinner at an outdoor bistro table.  Tommy O’s is the ground floor of The Camas Hotel, which looks like a handsome historic place for a honeymoon or anniversary, but is not wheelchair accessible. https://www.tommyosaloha.com
     Camas has some great parks and connecting trails
  • https://www.cityofcamas.us/parksfacilities/parkslocate
  • https://www.cityofcamas.us/images/DOCS/PARK_REC/REPORTS/2015camas_trailmap_hi.pdf
  • Lacamas Lake (Heritage Park) and Lacamas Park reviewed at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/saturdays-and-other-days-in-the-parks
  • Crown Park—15th Ave & Everett St., shady picnic, playground, tennis courts, outdoor swim; see photos
     You can travel to Camas-Washougal by bus from Fisher’s Landing transit center in east Vancouver on C-Tran bus #92.  https://c-tran.com/routes/92-camas-washougal
 
Washougal, WA—17 miles from I-5, Hwy 14
     Camas and Washougal melt together so that they share the Port of Camas-Washougal. 
  • https://portcw.com/parks-trails/ Picnic & play at the picturesque and thoughtful parks at the port, with great views of Mt. Hood and the sunset, reviewed at
  • https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/saturdays-and-other-days-in-the-parks
     A nice little video to watch about Washougal at http://www.downtownwashougal.com/
​     “Lewis and Clark camped just down the street in 1806.  Pendleton has operated their woolen mill here for over 100 years.”  I took the kids on the tour of Pendleton Woolen Mill a few years ago, and it is really worth going.  It can be loud, so prepare as needed.   The small Two Rivers Heritage Museum is just across the way.  See
  •  https://www.pendleton-usa.com/pendleton-heritage.html and
  •  https://www.pendleton-usa.com/mill-tours.html includes a 4 min video. 
  • https://2rhm.com/ (Two Rivers Heritage Museum)
 
Steamboat Landing Park—about a half mile from Port of Camas-Washougal, Hwy 14
     I wanted to check out the fishing pier here, as well as the restroom. The entrance is across Hwy 14 from Washougal River Road.  The parking area is rather rough going for a manual wheelchair.  From the parking area there’s a small steep hiker’s trail up to the Lewis & Clark Heritage Trail (Dike Trail).  Or, you can walk on a paved trail under the highway from Pendleton Woolen Mill and it will take you up to join the variously named trail on the Columbia River dike/levee, from which you can get to a deck overlooking the Columbia River, a part of the park.  I’m not sure a wheelchair can get to the deck.  The ramp down to the fishing pier can be very steep, so if in a wheelchair, bring a helper.
  • https://visitwashougal.com/167/Steamboat-Landing-Park
  • https://wa-washougal.civicplus.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Steamboat-Landing-Park-19
  • https://wa-washougal.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/493/Steamboat-Landing-Park-PDF
 
Capt. William Clark Park—about 18 miles from I-5, Hwy 14; exit south on the roundabout at 32nd St.
     This is a great place for a group gathering (group picnic shelters & volleyball standards, grills & charcoal disposal, accessible trails & restrooms, beside fishing).  “Both picnic shelters at Captain William Clark Regional Park have four 6-foot picnic tables, a charcoal barbecue grill, spigot with cold running water, a large countertop for food preparation or serving, electrical outlets and a garbage can.”  There are also single family picnic sites right along the river, and what looked like an outdoor foot shower to wash away the sands.  For history buffs, this is a site the Lewis & Clark, Corps of Discovery, stayed for 6 days on their way home, and it includes some historic canoe replicas. 
  • https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/captain-william-clark-regional-park-cottonwood-beach
  • review:​​https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/saturdays-and-other-days-in-the-parks 

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge—about 19 mi from I-5, Hwy 14
     Just beyond Washougal is the Steigerwald refuge.  Access Recreation has done a great review of this place, including a 5 min video. 
  • https://www.accesstrails.org/Phase_1/Steigerwald_Lake_NWR/Steigerwald_Lake_NWR.html
     Although the trail is rated “easy”, when I took the kids on a summer day a few years ago, with my manual wheelchair, I couldn’t make it without their help and really needed an adult pusher.  The gravel path just ate up my energy.  It takes a long stroll/roll to reach the cottonwoods, let alone beyond.  See also:
  • https://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147563140  
  • https://www.cityofwashougal.us/273/Steigerwald-Lake-National-Wildlife-Refug  
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6-yYkT84XI&ab_channel=BlueTurtleProMedia  2 min video
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHriCCHWqE&ab_channel=U.S.Fish%26WildlifeService  2.5 min video w/commentary
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poESTS1xdio&ab_channel=ClarkCoWa 3 min video w/commentary
 
Mt. Pleasant—about 4 mi east of Washougal
     I’ve been intrigued many times by the sign to Mt. Pleasant, and finally turned off to see the old Grange building.  It’s hardly off Hwy 14.  It has seen better days and better ways.  There’s an historic marker there.  Just up the hill part way is the old cemetery.  More interesting info:
http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/mount_pleasant.html
 
A Great Video done by John Williams’ "Accessible Adventures" covers
Steigerwald
St. Cloud
Sams Walker
Drano Lake (fishing) and Little White Salmon Fish Hatchery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLr0Jt8UmAU&ab_channel=ForestService
 
Cape Horn & Prindle—about 25 miles from I-5, Hwy 14
     Hwy 14 barely, narrowly rounds a bend and offers a slim pull-out at Cape Horn, to look east up the Columbia River.  It’s a spectacular view both below and beyond, if you don’t miss it and you can fit in, or gaze momentarily as you go by.  Below the highway are the Cape Horn Falls and Cape Horn Oak View Overlook, that you can access from the Cape Horn Trail.  The trailhead is another mile and a half beyond the pull-out, north on Salmon Falls Rd within sight of Hwy 14 (park at Salmon Falls Park & Ride, a bus stop).  It’s not a trail for the disabled. 
  • https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cape_Horn_Trailhead
  • https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-horn
  • https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/cape-horn-loop.html
     Less than 2 miles past the Cape Horn trailhead is the old Prindle School on the south side of Hwy 14.  It’s a cute little historic one-room schoolhouse you can see from the highway as you pass.  “Prindle Park is a county-maintained park with picnic facilities and a playground.” (Wikipedia, Skamania County, WA)
  • http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/prindle.html
  • https://roadsidethoughts.com/wa/prindle-xx-skamania-stories.htm for history buffs
  • http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/twilight_the_movie.html for “Twighlight” movie fans
 
St. Cloud—30 miles east of I-5, Hwy 14 (easy to miss, turn south & cross RR tracks)
     This is a pleasant place to picnic on a summer day with kids:  we took balsa wood planes, balloons, and bubbles.  The apple trees provide shade for the picnic tables (apples that are left to their own devices are not that tempting), there’s room to play Frisby, or other running games.  A compacted gravel trail leads to blackberry vines (ripen around August).  An accessible vault toilet proffers privacy. 
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29980
  • https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/st.-cloud  
  • https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/St._Cloud_Loop_Hike
 
Franz Lake Wildlife Scenic Viewpoint—about 2 mi east of St. Cloud, Hwy 14
     Literally just a wide spot in the road, this viewpoint is worth making the stop, if you can pull over.  It has a very nice accessible deck, interpretive signs, a bench, and a view of the Franz Lake Wildlife Refuge.  Bring binoculars if you are a birder.  If you have a train lover with you, you almost couldn’t get any closer as it passes by below. 
  •  http://www.columbiarivergorge.info/franz-lake.html
  •  https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Franz_Lake/about.html
  • http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/franz_lake_NWR.html
 
Skamania & Sams Walker Day Use Area & Trail—about 33 mi east of I-5, Hwy 14
     Immediately after the Skamania sign, coming from the west, you can take Skamania Landing Road south across the RR tracks a quarter mile to parking and the 1 mi accessible Sams Walker trail.  There’s a picnic table, accessible vault toilet, wildflowers, and view of Horsetail Falls across the Columbia River.
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29972#:~:text=A%20secluded%20pastoral%20setting%20with,of%20the%20Gorge%20are%20impressive.
  • https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sams-walker-nature-trail
     Congestion is a relative term, and just before entering Skamania you are cautioned to lower your speed to 45mph.  Just past the bridge, after Skamania Landing Road, on the north side of the road is Cape Horn Estate, an event venue with indoor and outdoor facilities, including the renovated 100-year-old Cape Horn Grange. 
  • ​https://capehornestate.com/   
     A few feet further east down the road is the Skamania General Store/Beacon Rock Cafe, with picnic tables, repurposed old school bus, mailbox, and bus stop.  From Hwy 14 that’s all there is to Skamania, the rest of town is uphill on the local roads, north of the highway. 
  • http://www.beaconrockcafe.com/
  • https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaGeneralStore/
 
Beacon Rock State Park—34/35 mi from I-5, Hwy 14
     Take Doetsch Ranch Road about 34 mi from I-5 (abt a mile before the ranger station) for the flat part of Beacon Rock State Park.  It’s wonderful for wheelchairs:  6 accessible restrooms, drinking fountains, 1 mile of nice wide paved flat trail (though roots have lifted some ugly bumps), a day-use kitchen shelter with water and electricity, lots of accessible family picnic tables on cement pads, informative signs about Lewis & Clark, natives and native plants, ice age floods, etc.  From the trail look up to great views of Beacon Rock.  The boat launch/moorage area has tent camping with RV camping near.
     On the south side of the highway, across from the ranger station, is a covered picnic table, then the hiking trail up Beacon Rock (not for the disabled), and the public restrooms with 15 min free parking (cool old CCC architecture), and some interpretive signs.  The handicapped stall of the restroom was marked out of order every time we checked, but I measured it from the outside, and it seemed plenty roomy to maneuver with a chair (roughly 60”x68”).
     Up the hill from Hwy 14 is the older picnic area with a playground and restroom, and further up the hill are the upper group picnic shelter and outside tables (the restroom there is not accessible to wheelchairs), the campground, the hiking trails, Little Beacon Rock.  Some of the campsites are accessible, but not sure about restrooms there.  Drinking water available.
     Group camping and horse trails are up Kueffler Rd just as you get to the ranger station on Hwy 14.
  • https://parks.state.wa.us/474/Beacon-Rock
  • park map  https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/1840/Beacon-Rock-State-Park-PDF
  • https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hamilton-mountain
 
 Pierce National Wildlife Refuge—35 to 36 mi from I-5, Hwy 14
     Next to Beacon Rock on the east and mostly between Hwy 14 and the Columbia River, is the Pierce Wildlife Refuge, managed by the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex.  It is 329 acres of “wetlands and uplands along the north shore of the Columbia River [a couple miles] west of the town of North Bonneville.”  You can only view it from afar (such as from the top of Beacon Rock, possibly the Hamilton Mtn. Trail—a bit too much for my wheelchair to explore) or by arranged group tours.
  • https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pierce/
  • https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Pierce/about.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierce_National_Wildlife_Refuge
 
North Bonneville & Dam—about 38 miles from I-5, Hwy 14; Dam at milepost 39
     Saturday the 9th of July, in 2016, I decided to go tour the Bonneville Dam, but as I came to North Bonneville WA I happened upon their Gorge Days celebration (generally the weekend after the 4th)—what a happy accident!  Wow!  A car show, quilt show, Japanese Taiko drummers performing, food & craft vendors, fun bouncy house & inflatable slide, Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt, library book sale, firemen with a sense of humor . . . wonderful old trees with huge arms branching out, nice wide flat sidewalks.  Amazing for a town of only about 1000 population . . I had to drag myself away, but dam I had to go!
    A ho-hum photo can be the miserable approximation of an astounding experience in person.  Such is the power of a dam.  The machinery of the dam dwarfs your presence, then the fish and lampreys right against the window inches from your face, the fish displays and murals, displays and diagrams of the workings of the dam and fish ladders, the Native American exhibits . . .  What a Day!
  • https://northbonneville.net/visitors/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Bonneville,_Washington history of the town, built along with the Depression Era dam
 
Bridge of the Gods—3 miles east of Bonneville Dam, Hwy 14
     Connecting WA State Hwy 14 with I-84 on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, this toll bridge facilitates traffic for recreation, trucking, and commuters.  The interesting story of the legendary name of the bridge can be found below:
  • https://portofcascadelocks.org/bridge-of-the-gods/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_the_Gods_(modern_structure)
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBs3SzOfRLU&ab_channel=RVerTV 10 min video, Bridge of the Gods at 2.5 min to 9 min.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGGdVhWc82I&ab_channel=CharlieDeanArchives 9 min historic footage of the 1928 construction of the bridge with the rapids below it—before the dams were built in the 1930s.  Note the guy in the rowboat in the river 150’ below, just in case a worker lost his footing.  Note how different the Columbia River looks . . . not nearly so massive.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeuhOoN_4sA&ab_channel=TheWhimsicalWoman 13.5 min video of hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail crossing the Bridge of the Gods, 1st 3 min.  On-coming semi—scary!
 
Stevenson, Skamania Lodge & Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center—45 mi from I-5, Hwy 14
     Before you get to Stevenson proper, turn north on SW Rock Creek Drive.  Skamania Lodge will be to your left on SW Skamania Lodge Way.  Skamania Lodge is an impressive, beautiful building, and the center of quite a complex, including the Cascade Dining Room, Skamania Lodge Adventures, golf, pool, spa, fitness center/loop, lots of trails—175-acre resort.  Off-season prices are pretty reasonable.  They even have a mobility accessible tree house with roll-in shower (not inexpensive).
  • Lodge https://www.skamania.com/?utm_source=googlemybusiness&utm_medium=organic
  • Resort https://www.skamania.com/columbia_river_gorge_hotel/ 
  • Zipline, Aerial Park, Axe Throwing https://zipnskamania.com/
     Across SW Rock Creek Drive from Skamania Lodge is the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center (not to be confused with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles OR).  Drive a little further east to reach the parking lot.  There are outdoor exhibits (including a locomotive car able-bodied persons can peer inside, and a toy train toddlers can climb into), picnic tables under the protective shelter of the entrance (most welcome on hot summer days, or wetter ones), and architecture evocative of the Pacific Northwest, the Gorge in particular.  Inside are soaring spaces, children’s activities, gift shop, accessible restrooms, wheelchairs to borrow, wifi, 2 theaters, and the exhibits:  antique cars, Native American history, the Lewis & Clark journey, model forts of the area, pioneer life, trains, logging, mining, shipping on the Columbia, steam machines, tools, fishing/huge fishwheel, bi-plane, quilts, antique organ & pianos, rosary collection, Chinese furnishings, old schoolhouse items, photos of wildfires, model fire lookout . . . a fulfilling experience.   
  • http://www.columbiagorge.org/ 
     From the parking lot of the Interpretive Center you can walk the quaint Mill Pond Trail around Rock Cove into town and the Skamania County Fairgrounds--Stevenson is the county seat of Skamania County, which includes Mt. St. Helens on the west and a slice of Mt. Adams on the east, Swift Reservoir on the Lewis River, and is bounded on the south by the Columbia River from Mt. Pleasant (across from Vista House, OR) to White Salmon (but not Trout Lake, north of it).  Much of the county is part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with plenty of recreational opportunities.
  • City site https://cityofstevenson.com/
  • City parks http://ci.stevenson.wa.us/government/public-works-department/parks/
  • Rock Creek & Cove http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/rock_creek_rock_cove.html
  • Port of Skamania County Parks https://portofskamania.org/our-parks/
  • Skamania County https://nwtravelmag.com/guide-skamania-washington/ and
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skamania_County,_Washington
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Newport OR, Beverly Beach, & the Devil's Punchbowl

11/28/2020

1 Comment

 
 I saw them standing together for the gold and green fall, their heads in a romantic mist—tall evergreens and their more changeable partners--as we traveled through the Oregon Coast Range.  Too late in the evening, and no place to sit for a photo on the sidelines of the highway, I could only try to sketch the picture into my memory’s book.  We had traveled south on I-5 from Portland (about 1.5 hours) to Corvallis, then headed west on Hwy 20 (another hour) to get to Newport, OR.
 
Newport in November might not be the first thought for a coast vacation, but the plan was to take advantage of the Oregon Zoo membership’s reciprocal arrangement with other zoos, aquariums, and safaris.  The aquarium in Newport was the offered venue for November.  Unfortunately, due to lost revenues in 2020 because of the COVID crisis, they didn’t give us the promised discount.  A timed ticket was required, which meant limited visitors and improved photo ops.
 
A brief list of Newport’s things to see and do:
https://discovernewport.com/play
  • The Oregon Coast Aquarium—our experience below
  • The Hatfield Marine Science Center—was closed; for more info (including a 2 min video) see  https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/visitor-center
  • South Beach State Park--what we saw and didn’t below
  • Yaquina Bay State Park & Lighthouse—discussed below
  • Historic Bayfront—part of our report below
  • Nye Beach—from our perspective, below
  • Don (& Ann) Davis Memorial and other local parks—described below
  • Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and historic lighthouse—a sight to see, below
  • Agate Beach State Recreational Site--below our hotel
  • Beverly Beach State Park—between Newport and (Depoe Bay) Lincoln City
  • Devil’s Punchbowl--we checked out on our way home (looping through Lincoln City)
 
We stayed at Best Western Agate Beach, and ate at their on-site restaurant, which two I’ll review at bottom of this post, and mention a few nearby options for traveler's necessaries, and the Chalet Restaurant & Bakery.
 
The Oregon Coast Aquarium
     Though the early November sky threatened rain, the rain held back as we toured the outdoor area.  It wasn’t quite the weather to make us wish we had a picnic to eat at the tables on the grounds, and as we left the wind bid us good-bye, but we had a great experience, even with COVID adjustments.  I was glad enough to have a helper for the packed gravel paths, which are not too hilly, but in aggregate energy eaters.
    Outdoor habitats host harbor seals, sea otters, birds of various feathers in the aviaries.  The aquarium evokes awe as you walk a viewing tunnel through shark and ray infested waters, ocean habitats like “Halibut Flats”, “Orford Reef”, magical jellyfish tanks, all complemented by beautiful sea life murals.  Rocky Shore Touch Pool was closed for COVID.  The ample gift shop was full of wonders of nature and art, books, clothes, stuffed and toy animals, and memorabilia.  Outdoor lights were set up for an evening holiday event they hoped for.  Looks like we just missed their temporary re-closure.  https://aquarium.org/
 
South Beach
     As we explored the South Beach area by car, we found the Hatfield Marine Science Center was closed.  I wanted to find the public fishing area near the bottom of the bridge over the bay, but it’s a bit hidden in an industrial area.  The crabbing pier is behind the Rogue Ales & Spirits building.  Park and walk or roll with your gear, or just to look.  A restroom and catch cleaning site is right there almost under the bridge.
     Drive under the bridge to the west side, where there’s a little picnic area with a nice view of the bridge and bay, and on to SW Jetty Way for views of the water and waves crashing the jetty, as well as the beautiful bridge.  You drive along the north border of South Beach State Park, which you can hike to, but for driving access go south of town on Hwy 101 to S. Beach State Park road.  The park has a hospitality center, accessible camping (including yurts), trails, picnicking, viewpoint, wildlife viewing and flush restrooms.  Near the campground are horseshoes and playground, firewood for sale, kayak tours. Not so accessible:  9 hole disc golf course, beach access, fishing, dump station.  See https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=149 including photos, amenities, brochures, map, and a couple great 2 min informative videos.
 
Yaquina Bay State Park
     Just on the north end of the bridge watch carefully for signs of how to get to Yaquina Bay State Park.  This is a day-use area offering flushing restrooms (marked as accessible), picnicking (some covered, most uncovered), beach, and a lighthouse (wasn’t open Nov 2020).  Next to the restroom is a nice map sign of the area and a reminder to clean up after pets.  Nice ocean views and informative signs make a memorable visit.  For more info, including tide tables & whale watching, see
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=148
  • https://www.stateparks.com/yaquina_bay_state_park_in_oregon.html
    
Historic Bayfront
     Opposite side of Hwy 101 from Yaquina Bay State Park is the Historic Bayfront district.  This combination of working commercial fishing harbor includes shopping, restaurants, exhibits (like Ripley’s Believe it or Not), boardwalk and benches, marina, and more.  Parking is at a premium.  There are public restrooms, no doubt popular; I advise bringing your own TP and wipes.  This is one of 3 touristy treks in Newport:  https://discovernewport.com/shop
 
Nye Beach
    Don’t believe every sign that directs you to Nye Beach, NW 3rd Street ends in a very uncomfortable dead end.  OK for walkers looking for an overlook of the beach below.  But for parking (if you’re lucky, when it’s nice), take NW Beach Drive off NW Coast St.  There’s a public restroom, picnic tables, beach access for able-bodied, Newport Visual Arts Center (temporarily closed).  The road is a one-way U and passes the famous Chowder Bowl and other restaurants.  It’s a steep hill, and not much parking for its popularity.  Nye Stay offers close accommodations, as well as the following:
  • https://www.innatnyebeach.com/
  • https://www.nyebeachcondosandcottages.com/
  • https://www.oregon.com/attractions/nye-beach-newport
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nye_Beach
  • https://www.beachconnection.net/vtour_newport.htm  virtual tours
 
Don (& Ann) Davis Memorial and other local parks
     There’s more to this park than at first (or 2nd) sight might admit.  It has a gazebo, cobblestone path, beach access, sitting area. The satellite map looks like the path down to the beach is possibly paved.  It’s across from the Newport Performing Arts Center one way, and a take-out the other direction.  Just around the bend of SW Elizabeth St. are a couple primely positioned rental homes I’ve always been drawn to.  And just south down SW Elizabeth St are
Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites
Shilo Inns Newport Oceanfront
Hallmark Resort Hotel
     Just around the block from the Davis Park is Coast Park with a playground (100 SW Coast St), and a 4 min walk from there (.2 mi) is Mombetsu City Park, a small Japanese garden.  For more info about Newport City Parks, see https://newportoregon.gov/dept/par/parks.asp
 
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and historic lighthouse
     The accessible tide pool is pretty well sanded in, the ranger informed me.  The Interpretive center was closed Nov 2020 for COVID, but I’ve toured it before, and it is definitely worth going to see.  The weather was just stormy enough to create crashing and splashing waves, making me more determined to come to the coast for a winter storm watch.  Hope the weather won’t be too good or too bad Jan 2021! 
     An accessible vault toilet stands in the parking lot of the lighthouse area.  Paved paths offer nice views (bring your binoculars).  Not many people were there Nov 2020 to interrupt the dramatic view of the lighthouse.  The nice wide, paved path to the lighthouse has interpretive signs.  Even if you can’t climb the stairs to the top, it’s another worthwhile wheel or walk out to the lighthouse, and the decks there.
     It can be a bit confusing that both lighthouses in Newport are named Yaquina . . . one is at the bay, one at the head.  Don’t miss either.  https://discovernewport.com/lighthouses  includes a .5 min video from the top.  Click on the link to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, then click on the satellite view of the map, zoom in as close as you can, and see the amazing 3-D image of the cliffs and ocean—it’s a WOW experience! 
 
Agate Beach State Recreational Site
     Down at the beach below Best Western Agate Beach, on NW Oceanview Dr. is Agate Beach State Recreation Site.  A tiny bit of parking is right on NW Oceanview, but drive a bit further north to Agate Beach State Wayside east of the road, where there is a restroom (site says accessible flush), more parking, picnic area, grassy room to run for kids, and a tunnel under the road to access the beach.  Google map says it’s a sandy spot for clamming and surfing.  The Ocean to Bay Trail goes through there.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=152
 
Beverly Beach State Park
     This was a great family reunion site several years ago.  Some of us stayed in a yurt.  It’s not for everyone, but there is just about something for everyone here.  3 campsites and 6 yurts are accessible.  There are flush toilets and showers, firewood for sale, group camping, yurt meeting hall, RV facilities, playground, reservable picnic shelters-- not all available during COVID restrictions.  https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=164
 
Devil’s Punchbowl
  •      Picnic tables in a grassy area with trees and shrubs, paved paths and ocean views with interpretive signs, restroom, limited parking.  A very pleasant place to picnic or play a board game in nature.  The site says the restrooms are flushing, but not accessible.  Across the street is Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (closed for winter), Flying Dutchman Winery, and Cliffside Coffee & Sweets if you forgot your picnic.
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=156
  • http://www.moschowder.com/mos-west-menus/
  • http://www.dutchmanwinery.com/
  • https://www.cliffsidecoffeeandsweets.com/
 
Best Western Agate Beach,
​     with Sea Glass Bistro & Lounge

https://www.agatebeachinn.com/
     Some years ago I stayed and ate at this hotel, just before it was renovated.  I had quite a list of suggestions, so I was interested to see how the hotel had been changed.  The basic hotel design was not changed.  There was still a substantial carpeted ramp to get up to the ADA rooms, all on the main floor (no ADA upper rooms, and the non-ADA rooms have wheelchair inaccessibly narrow bath doors).  The halls by the elevators have comfy chairs with nice views.  The pool was available by reservation (because of COVID restrictions), and we didn’t have time to go in to see it more closely. 
     The bistro food was much improved and not as expensive (though not inexpensive).  My helper had the steak, and I had the toasted shaved prime rib & cheese sandwich.  The beef was tender and delicious.   My helper enjoyed the pancake stack the next morn, but I had brought my own favorite oatmeal mix and hot chocolate for breakfast.  The restaurant is still only accessible by an ugly old elevator the staff have to work it for you, and the tables with picturesque views are inaccessibly down stairs.
    I believe I had the very same room I’d had before.  It now had a nice décor and was a comfortable stay.  I was glad for an ADA 2-queen accommodation, since I needed a separate bed for my helper.   Thankfully the appliances were updated.   The armoire had a lowered bar, beside the usual iron & board, and luggage rack.  Once you train your eyes to look past the lower roof, the view from the sliding door was not bad.  The balcony was tiny, but offered a bit of security from somehow falling out the slider if open.  You can drive or walk around the back of the hotel to get to the beach access.
     The bathroom was acceptable for me, with a tub and lots of bars (not all necessarily useful), though there was not a lot of maneuver room to get into the tub past the toilet.  A fold down bench was provided in the tub:  could be helpful for some.  I had to have my helper get the handheld shower down for me.  I was able to stretch to reach towels.  The tub side was not quite 15” high, 24” wide, and 14” deep, with a nice shape. 
     A fold down bar system was helpful for me to transfer on and off the toilet.  The TP roll was difficult to reach on the wall behind the toilet.  A splashguard behind the toilet could remedy the obvious problem of people with a bad aim.  The toilet was a little more than 17” high.
 
     Next to Best Western Agate Beach is a Walmart, and a person with able legs could walk over from the upper parking lot of the hotel (back of the store).  But the hotel is on a hill, and a disabled person would need to drive around.  Safeway is just .6 mi south, across the highway from the hotel, and Fred Meyer is .7 mi south, also just across the highway.  Both are in shopping centers.  A previous stay in Newport I tried out the Chalet Restaurant & Bakery, in the same area as Safeway, and the food and décor gave me a pleasant experience.  https://www.chaletrestaurantnewport.com/
​
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Cottage Grove to California--              S. Oregon on I-5 and Hwy 199

10/29/2020

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     I was on an adventure to connect with the Redwods (see https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/redwoods-california ) and Crescent City ( https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/crescent-city-its-coasts ) from Portland OR, so naturally I had the opportunity to journey through Southern Oregon:
  • Cottage Grove
  • Gettings Creek Rest Area
  • Roseburg--see post 8-6-20 https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/crater-lake-fish-the-rogue-wildlife-safari-roseburg-or
  • Canyonville OR
  • Wolf Creek (Inn)
  • Applegate Trail Interpretive Center
  • Manzanita Rest Area
  • Grants Pass OR
  • Kirby OR
  • Cave Junction OR & Oregon Caves
  • Rough & Ready
Cottage Grove OR—128 miles south of Portland,
off I-5 (abt a 2 hr drive unless you catch traffic ills)

     Cottage Grove is the southern tip of the fertile Willamette Valley that prompted travel on the Oregon Trail, and pretty well peopled the Pacific Northwest—at least until there were gold discoveries.  Several times I’ve seen a sign about Applegate (one branch of the Oregon Trail) information at a Cottage Grove exit.  I had a chance to take that exit on my trip to visit the Redwoods and Crescent City.  Unfortunately, it was the back way in, and 6 miles from the city itself.  I suggest taking exit 174 straight on to Gateway Blvd and follow it until it meets Main St, then turn right onto Main Street.  The Veterans Park has the interpretive signs about the Applegate (Oregon) Trail.  It’s on W Main St and River Road. 
  • The Cottage Grove Museum is just 3 blocks from the Veterans Park: take North H St off N. River Road. https://www.cottagegrovemuseum.com/  
  • The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum is across the street from Bohemia Park (South 10th St) https://www.bohemiagoldminingmuseum.com/
  • Oregon Aviation Historical Society (2475 Jim Wright Way) https://oregonaviation.org/welcome/   includes a video
     As I wheeled around the Veterans Park and environs, I met a local who said that Cottage Grove area is for bike riding.  She also directed me to follow the paved walk from the Veterans Park (through the covered bridge) north behind the police station, to a cute little unnamed park with parking and a picnic table.  She suggested continuing east from there, but curbs became a problem.  One of several fantastic murals is in the little square at Main & 7th street, restrooms as well.
     But south of Veterans Park (across Main St) along River Road is Riverside Park. Continuing south along the picturesque Coast Fork Willamette River (and people fishing it) .2 mi further is Prospector Park, .4 mi from there is the Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge you can walk or roll through (manual wheelchairs might need a helper on the ramp). 
    There are more parks, free parking areas, a speedway http://www.visitcottagegrove.com/outdoor-recreation  and a state airport.  Hotels are handy, restaurants ready, and shopping convenient enough as you come off the freeway as well as in the historic part of town (though some of the older parts of town suffer from business booming near the freeway).  More recreational info at https://www.cgchamber.com/outdoor-recreation/ Here’s a 1 min video the city has done.   The two rivers mentioned are the Coast Fork Willamette and the Row River.
  • http://www.elocallink.tv/m/v/player.php?pid=w3a7Q9p4A91&fp=orcotgr17_wel_rev3_iwd 
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Fork_Willamette_River  
Major Parks in Cottage Grove https://www.cottagegrove.org/cd/page/parks  
  • Bohemia Park—amphitheater, events, for details & amenities see https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/bohemia-park/9201/  
  • Trailhead Park (Row River Trail)--Has a gazebo and some unwalled shelters, not much else.  The Row River Trail starts at the south end of the park at Main St (a block east on Main St is Lulu’s car wash, which has a dog park behind it.  South of Main on 10th is Bohemia Park).   I didn’t find a website for Trailhead Park in particular, but about the trail see http://www.visitcottagegrove.com/row-river-trials
  • Kelly Field--is, of course, a baseball field, interestingly the site of a scene in the 1920 Buster Keaton Film “The General”.  See https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/kelly-field/7634/
  • Coiner Park-- 1319 E Main St, play structures, picnicking, shade trees, basketball courts, gazebo, events, photo looks like a restroom; for fun fotos, see https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x54c1304c80e7a039%3A0x4d17c0c3d4e57836!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipM0wFZ923koNSfZtWP-z5SrSInYujvywNo-Bb7t%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5scoiner%20park%20cottage%20grove%20oregon  
  • Gateway Park--looks undeveloped on Google maps
  • North Regional Park--Cottage Grove Disc Golf Course, further development in the works
  • Row River Nature Park--details & amenities at https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/row-river-nature-park/9629/  
 
If you have more time to spend in the area, nearby lakes offer more recreational opportunities:
Dorena Lake to the east—take Row River Rd along the north side of the lake to find Rat Creek Bridge, Row River Recreational Trail, Harms Park, and on to Dorena (further exploration left to the reader).  To drive along the south side of the lake, take Shoreline Dr/Government Road for Schwarz Park on the west end of the lake, Baker Bay Campground & Marina on the south side, Vaughn County Park and Bake Stewart Park on the south end of the lake, and further south is Dorena and beyond.
  • http://www.visitcottagegrove.com/rv-parks-campgrounds  
Cottage Grove Lake to the south—take London Rd along the west side of the Lake, to Lakeside Park.  Cottage Grove Reservoir Rd, off London Rd, goes along the east side of the lake, to Shortridge Park, Pine Meadows Campground, a primitive campground, and Wilson Creek Park.
  • https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/Willamette-Valley/Cottage-Grove/
  • https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/232  
  • https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=G204020  
Blue Mountain County Park, SE of Cottage Grove, is not associated with a lake, but offers hiking and picnicking in a beautiful setting.  For photos, description, and directions, see https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/blue-mountain-county-park/9572/
 
Gettings Creek Rest Area—just north of Cottage Grove OR
     If you don’t have time to stay over in or around Cottage Grove this trip, and just need to make a pit stop, this can be your spot.  I had time to check out one more stop as it was getting dark, at Gettings Creek Rest Area.  One of the two restroom buildings was open and accessible, and they had a room set aside for a disabled person and companion.  At least one covered and one uncovered picnic table was accessible and on pavement; a regular drinking fountain and a lowered one attempted to suit anyone’s needs.  An information gazebo had nothing about the Oregon Trail, but considerable tourist information.
Picture
Canyonville OR—200 mi south of Portland, 100 mi north of the OR/CA border, pop about 2000
     As I drove south on I-5, on a sudden I saw a sign about Applegate info, and took the exit to Canyonville.  A Google search and a call to the local Pioneer & Indian Museum furnished me with directions to Pioneer Park (E 5th St & Canyon Ave), where the highway department has built an attractive open structure to house excellent information about the Applegate arm of the Oregon Trail. 
     It’s a really inviting park for a picnic and play, and the fun annual Canyonville Pioneer Days the 3rd weekend of August (in ordinary years) “...an old‑fashioned, small‑town festival featuring a parade, live entertainment on stage, barbecues and pie auctions, cake walks and bingo, car shows, frog jumps, tugs of war, lawn mower race, a craft show, an antiques and collectibles show and dances.“  The park also has an amazing cross section of a grand old Douglas Fir (9 ft diameter, 142 years old when Columbus discovered America, and would build a 3 bedroom home).    
       It probably makes more sense to go to the museum first (exit 98, then turn west on SW 5th Street).  It’s free, but a donation is much appreciated.  The museum is a complex of several buildings.  Because of limited time I was only able to visit the main museum, as well as see the outdoor displays.  They have utilized every inch of the main museum in clever and pleasant ways.  The volunteer working there was so very nice and accommodating.  https://www.pioneerindianmuseum.org/p/homepage.html
     Canyonville City Hall has an information kiosk (250 N. Main St).  
​     Stanton County Park has picnic tables, fire rings, pavilion, horseshoes, swimming, restroom, trails, fishing, boating, campground (tenting as well as complete RV amenities), showers.  Exit 99, then go east of the freeway. https://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/view_park.asp?index=4&features&cnt  
​     Canyonville is home to 7 Feathers Casino resort http://sevenfeathers.com/
     South of Canyonville I passed over the 2020’ pass twice in 2020.
9.5 min video pub 2015 Grants Pass to Canyonville
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgIa-gs3I8c&ab_channel=InterstateKyle
“We live in a world
that is full of beauty,
charm and adventure.
There is no end
​to the adventures
we can have 

if only we seek them
with our eyes open.”
―Jawaharial Nehru
Wolf Creek—20 miles north of Grants Pass
exit 76 off I-5

     Wolf Creek is an historic village with the 136-year-old Wolf Creek Inn:  a welcome reprieve along the stage coach route.  You can still book a room there, as did Clark Gable and Jack London.  The following website includes videos 
  • https://wolfcreekinn.com/ see also
  • https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=74

Applegate Trail Interpretive Center
exit 71 off I-5

     The Applegate Trail Interpretive Center, Sunny Valley OR, is just 14 miles north of Grants Pass.  It wasn’t open when I came through.  In ordinary years they have an annual reenactment (flyer would be on first site below).  In sight down the road is the covered bridge. 
  • http://www.rogueweb.com/interpretive/
  • https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/attractions/museums/applegate-trail-interpretive-center/
  • http://www.hugoneighborhood.org/brochureeight.htm
  • https://travelgrantspass.com/attraction/applegate-trail-interpretive-center/
  • http://thecentralcascades.com/applegate-trail-interpretive-center-museum/
  • https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/sunny-valley/applegate-trail-interpretive-center-a156590893
  • https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/sunny-valley-or/points-of-interest/applegate-trail-interpretive-center
​

Manzanita Rest Area
     Not far, literally up the road from Grants Pass is the Manzanita Rest Area. The grass was lush and green, mushrooms flourishing, oaks spreading their limbs for lovely shade and drops of acorns.  There were picnic tables (including accessible on a paved pad), paved paths, accessible restrooms (one building with really nice accessible restroom and another building with a disabled stall that is not wheelchair friendly).  Interesting historic markers, and informational signs about the Applegate (Oregon) Trail, all delighted me.

Grants Pass
     Grants Pass is not a small town anymore.  It’s a small city of about 40,000, with a lot to offer, and more in the offing.  On the way south you can take off I-5 at the exit that says 99 to 199 and go with the flow.  On my way north I took comfort in the easy-to-follow signs to I-5.  I saw historic downtown on the way down, and up and coming city life on the way up.  I was impressed by the way they are able to complement their historic heritage and yet provide prosperous prospects.  For excitement Roseburg Downs has horseracing, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions offers a number of options on the Rogue River, from 2 hours to 5 hours, some with brunch, lunch, or dinner https://hellgate.com/  I didn't have time to stop for photo ops, but here are some great resources if you want to plan a trip to the Grants Pass area.
  • https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/
  • https://travelgrantspass.com/
  • https://www.grantspasschamber.org/
  • https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/grants-pass/?utm_actcampaign=967294044&gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0nz7TI2Cp2YanE-E3pJwm7OENIrVc8KR5UIjPDc8yxleBUl20u0P6xoC6o8QAvD_BwE
  • https://www.tripsavvy.com/fun-in-grants-pass-oregon-4015525
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grants_Pass,_Oregon

Hwy 199
     From Grants Pass to the California border, Hwy 199 takes you through the dry forests and scrubland of Josephine county OR.  People in this county appreciate fire fighters, as they have seen no shortage of wildfires over the years.  From O'Brien OR the road climbs up to Collier Tunnel (2100’ Google says).  The OR/CA border is just north of that tunnel.  An agricultural checkpoint hopes to deter risk to California's agriculture from pandemics introduced via produce from other areas.  
     Here’s a good 12.5 min video of the ride from Grants Pass to Crescent City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nIJK1VVmAs&ab_channel=RobertMerz 
History buffs check out 
http://www.webtrail.com/history/index.shtml 
Kerbyville (or, just Kerby)
27 miles SW of Grants Pass on Hwy 199

     This is the only place I know you can buy golden cron.  They’re not ignorant rubes, nor prone to mistakes (as I would be in painting a big sign):  the advertisement is repeated on more than one sign.  Clever attention-getter (north end of town).  The other place in Kerby that caught my attention was their Museum.  It was closed, but the little log schoolhouse complete with bell, the Victorian home with a long low building reminiscent of a carriage house, and the sign about freedman crystals, all piqued my interest.  I saw a ramp that indicates at least part of the museum is accessible.  It’s right on the highway.  
  • See https://westernmininghistory.com/towns/oregon/kerby/  
  • and https://www.facebook.com/Kerbyville.Museum/
  • and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerby,_Oregon


Cave Junction OR—30 miles south of Grants Pass, Hwy 199
     Cave Junction is on the Illinois River (where its two tributaries meet), and just SW of town is the Illinois River Forks State Park with picnicking, disc golf, fishing, vault toilet, and a short walking trail. https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=71   
     On the map it looks like Cave Junction Jubilee Park, a couple blocks east of Hwy 199 on E. Watkins Street, has a nice playground, and a cool skate park. 
     Although it’s a small town of about 2000, because of the tourist trade, you can find Italian, Chinese, Gyros, DQ, sausage dogs, natural foods, Subway, Mexican, homestyle American, and a choice of coffee places to soothe your tummy's disgruntle.  If you’re in need of other services, among those offered are a laundromat, groceries, banks, churches, NAPA auto parts, RadioShack, etc.  
     Interesting history (gold discovery in the Illinois River) as well as info about the area in the links below.  The ironic name of the Illinois River is explained at last.
  • ​https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/cave-junction/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_Junction,_Oregon
  • https://www.cavejunctionoregon.us/
  • http://www.cavejunction.com/
  • http://www.cavejunction.com/cavejunction/history.shtml
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_River_(Oregon)
  • https://mailtribune.com/news/since-you-asked/illinois-river-name-came-from-prospectors#:~:text=%22Oregon%20Geographic%20Names%2C%20%22%20that,.%2C%20and%20settled%20around%20Albany. 

Oregon Caves
     Cave Junction is so named for the junction with Hwy 46, which provides a way to the Oregon Caves.  However, check the website below to find out closure status, and check Google Maps about road closures.  Oregon Caves is not accessible for several disabilities.
https://www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm includes a 5 min video
 
Great Cats World Park
     A couple miles south of Cave Junction is an 11 acre park of 17 species of exotic big cats, guided tours, demos, complimentary wheelchairs & strollers, group rates, field trips, traveling show, photo shoot opportunities, and events (Halloween & Easter Egg Hunt).  See their site and their facebook page about closures/re-openings.  Their website is fun to look at whether you can go in person or not.
  • https://greatcatsworldpark.com/
  • https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/attractions/aquariums-zoos/great-cats-world-park/
 
Rusk Ranch Nature Center
     For a little more gentle exploration, barely north of Great Cats World Park is the Rusk Ranch Nature Center.  “Located in the beautiful Illinois Valley of Southern Oregon, we offer kids and families an interactive learning environment to learn all about nature as well as recreational activities for everyone to enjoy!  Butterfly Pavilion, Hummingbird Garden, Nature Discovery Play, Volunteer Days, Workshops, Youth Programs, Internships.   Wildlife Preserve and Meadow available during events.”  http://ruskranchnaturecenter.org/

Rough and Ready—between Cave Junction and the California border with Oregon, Hwy 199
     "Rough and Ready" is a good name for the next several places you’ll pass going south on Hwy 199 toward Crescent City CA.  Always at the ready for the rough work of fighting forest fires are the smokejumpers.  Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum is 5 miles south of Cave Junction.  
  • http://www.siskiyousmokejumpermuseum.org/  and
  • https://www.facebook.com/siskiyousmokejumpers/ , and
  • next to that is Captain Drake’s Family Aerial Adventures offering flying lessons https://www.captaindrakesfaa.com/
     Rough and Ready Creek, where Rough and Ready Forest State Park (Botanical Wayside) offers a half mile accessible trail to a vista with one picnic table.  Don’t be misled by the word “forest” . . . it’s rather scrubby (scrub lands) with forests in the distance.  Those who want to hike further can, see
  • http://www.highway199.org/unique-places/rough-ready-forest-state-park/  and
  • ​https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=82293
     O’Brien OR--about 8 mi south of Cave Junction OR     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%27Brien,_Oregon  the southernmost community 'til the Oregon border (5 miles) on Hwy 199.  Apparently populated by about 500 independent-minded folk.  I could not find the name of the little saphire blue lake between Waldo Rd and town along Highway 199.  From the map I would conjecture it's a small reservoir.  

And that's the reservoir of my knowledge aquired on the road and in internet mode, about Southern Oregon from Cottage Grove to California,
traveling I-5 and Hwy 199.
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Crescent City & its Coasts

10/21/2020

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