Barrier-busting adventures around the state let everyone embrace the outdoors

written by Cathy Carroll

Skis? Check. Raft paddle? Check. Wig, heels, false eyelashes and fishnet stockings? Yes. When Bend’s John Kish takes to the outdoors as drag queen Fertile Liza, they’re on a mission.

“We are trying to use our art as a platform to not only make change but inject inclusivity into the outdoors by just showing up and being in these spaces,” he said. “If a drag queen can do these things in nature, then anyone of any shape, size and background can equally be welcomed and enjoy the lands that surround us. Making Oregon more inclusive in the outdoors truly comes down to just exposure and acceptance.”

From ocean and forests to lakes and mountains, adventuring is for everyone. Here are some of the barrier-breaking ways to dive in, no matter who you are.

Willamette Valley and Portland

Adventures Without Limits believes everyone has a right to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their ability, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity or age. The Forest Grove-based nonprofit offers the joys of river kayaking at sunset with osprey circling overhead and stand-up paddleboarding with guided meditation to thrilling whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Their specially trained team customizes programs to meet guests’ needs, and they offer plenty of adaptive outdoor gear.

Wild Diversity, a Portland nonprofit, aims to help create a personal connection to the outdoors for LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities, through outdoor adventures and education. They offer themed and family campouts and single- and multiday kayaking, rafting and backpacking outings, and they provide gear and training.

First Nature Tours of Mosier and Portland is LGBTQ+ owned and specializes in customized Northwest outdoor adventure tours and educational experiences for the queer community. They work with Indigenous groups that teach cultural traditions and lead environmental stewardship projects on their tours. The company is an integral part of Northwest LGBTQ+ pride events and is working with queer-owned and operated Remy Wines on excursions during the Queer Wine Festival set for June 30 in McMinnville.

Willamette Valley Visitors Association staff, recently certified as VisitAble Advocates, are having the area’s mountain biking trails evaluated this summer and expect to designate many of them as adaptive this fall.

Oregon Coast

It has long been known as “The People’s Coast” because everyone’s welcome. At spots including Netarts, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Pacific City and Rockaway Beach, that means use of free beach wheelchairs, with puffy, wide tires to navigate sand, or battery-powered track chairs, with tank-like treads that can tackle all kinds of terrain. These innovations allow all ocean-lovers to get right down to the salty Pacific’s edge—and even get their feet wet.

Mobi-Mats, long mats that offer a smooth surface for wheelchairs and strollers, are rolled out over the sand during the summer in Lincoln City, Seaside and Beverly Beach State Park near Newport.

The Gorge

The nonprofits Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance and The Next Door host activities including the Hood River Winter PrideFest for queer folk, families and allies.

Central Oregon

Having a disability won’t hinder plenty of outdoor play year-round with Bend-based Oregon Adaptive Sports and its trained guides and experts in adaptive equipment. This summer, hit the area’s renowned singletrack and vast network of forest roads with an off-road handcycle, or cruise on a tandem, tee up at the golf course or go whitewater rafting. Ride or ski with them in winter at Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo or in Southern Oregon at Mt. Ashland.

Vámonos Outside connects the local Latinx and BIPOC community to the outdoors in Central Oregon year-round, with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, climbing, rafting, snow sports and more.

Saddle up with Healing Reins for nationally accredited, scenic, therapeutic horseback riding for all ages and abilities.

Southern Oregon

The beauty and serenity of America’s deepest lake are undeniably healing, soothing and inspiring. Fortunately, everyone can tap into the powers of Crater Lake National Park. The lodge and the visitor center at Rim Village are wheelchair accessible, and Godfrey Glen Trail is the park’s fully accessible trail. The 1-mile loop winds through old-growth forest with canyon views and has no grade higher than 9 percent.

After the snow melts in summer, East Rim Drive opens, with Vidae Falls Picnic Area’s accessible picnic sites, parking and restrooms. From there, the first hundred yards of the relatively flat, wide Crater Peak Trail is well suited to unassisted wheelchairs when dry and meanders amid towering trees.

From secluded Lost Creek Campground, Greyback Road is wide, flat, compact and closed to vehicles. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible and have running water. Mazama Campground, elevation 6,000 feet, has five RV sites designated accessible.