Easy Hikes for Kids and Seniors

Wheelchair accessible scenic beauty There are many wheelchair-accessible recreation sites throughout Central Oregon, including campgrounds, picnic areas, fish-viewing stations and hatcheries, boating-fishing spots and trails. The Deschutes National Forest has provided the data used to write this overview of two of the accessible hiking trails.

The Ray Atkeson Trail is barrier-free and paved for 0.2 mile with several benches dotting the beautiful viewpoints along the way. It is located at the end of FS Road 400 (Sparks Lake) off the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway beyond Mt. Bachelor. This trail is a fitting memorial to Oregon's Photographer Laureate, and features spectacular views of South Sister and Broken Top. The trail is at 5400 feet elevation and follows the volcanic rim part of the way around Sparks Lake. Cascade Lakes Hwy is closed beyond Mt. Bachelor during Winter, so you'll need to plan this tour for Summer or Fall.

The Head of the Metolius River is near Camp Sherman. This trailhead has a paved parking area, accessible facilities, and a lovely short (0.2 mile) trail to the Headwaters of the Metolius River. This Scenic Waterway is one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the United States, winding past a fish-viewing observation point at Camp Sherman, the Metolius River Fish Hatchery, and on into Lake Billy Chinook. At the elevation of 3000 feet, there often is snow and ice on this trail in the Winter, although the roads are rarely closed.

• Distance:  70 miles
• Starting Point: 

• Minimum Driving Time: 
• Best Time to Drive:  Spring/Summer