The Willamette Valley is home to some of the country's most beautiful outdoor adventures. Whether it’s waterfalls, lakes or rivers, the Willamette Valley has it. The outdoors is made for everyone, so below you’ll find outdoor adventures that are both wheelchair and stroller friendly.
This is a short 2-mile trail out-and-back, that is virtually all on a wood platform with little elevation, making it extremely accessible for families with strollers and wheelchair users. After a short unpaved area directly from the parking area, this trail is well maintained up leading to a ramp where, it’s an easy and beautiful immersive stroll through the trees. Once you reach the end of the ramp platform, you are able to turn around and enjoy the trek back.
Along the trail are informational plaques describing the wildlife in the area that are definitely worth the read. Once you find yourself near the end of the trail, you may notice a wildlife-viewing hut. While made for viewing wildlife, this hut also serves as an easy spot to rest as well.
This wildlife refuge is also home to many other natural areas that are worth checking out. Only a five-minute drive from the Ankeny Rail Trail is Mohoff Pond. Here you can sit in your car and enjoy the many types of birds that flock through the pond. This is a graveled area, possibly making it difficult for wheeled devices, but could be best enjoyed in the car.
Also, check out the Ankeny Hill Nature Center.
While this may not be considered a hike, this is a natural area located in the hills of Dundee, with a view of the whole Yamhill Valley. This area is completely paved, making it a very accessible park. To reach the most scenic point, you must walk through a grass area. There are picnic benches that sit under perfectly shaded trees, making this an area with a great view and optimal shade.
Just outside of Newberg, this state park offers a combination of history, nature and recreation. You’ll find 107 acres of lush green nestled next to the Willamette River and other wetlands. Paths are fairly flat, covered and paved for bikes, so the Champoeg State Heritage Area serves as the perfect outdoor excursion for strollers and wheelchair users.
Rich with history, the Champoeg State Heritage Area is the site where Oregon’s first government was formed by a historical vote in 1843 and what was once a flourishing town in (with a population of 200!), is no longer due to a sweeping flood in 1861. To learn more about the park, visit the Champoeg Visitor Center or take a guided tour around the park.
Note that the Riverside Trail, while paved, may get muddy and is steep in some parts.
Have you ever visited a rock that has traveled over 500 miles? Erratic Rock State Natural Site is home to a 90-ton rock that was deposited during the Missoula Floods nearly 15,000-18,000 years ago from the Northern Rocky Mountains. This state natural site is a mile round trip on a wheelchair and stroller-friendly paved walkway. This path also takes you through Yamhill Valley Vineyards, a popular winery destination. In addition to grapes vines, you can soak in apples, pears, and berries that grow near the path.
However, keep in mind that the falling fruit may create slick surfaces.
