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Nature is for everyone. At the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we’re committed to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the beauty of Oregon’s outdoors. From improving trails to hosting inclusive, adaptive events, we’re working to remove barriers and create opportunities for the disability community to connect with nature.
Building Accessible Spaces
Access starts with infrastructure. We’re upgrading trails and facilities across Oregon, like the newly improved trail at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, designed to make outdoor experiences enjoyable for visitors of all abilities.
Providing Vital Information
Planning matters. We’re expanding trail information using standards developed by our partner, Access Recreation, so visitors can make informed choices before heading out. For example, this photo guide to the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge helps visitors understand available amenities and on-the-ground conditions, making it easier to plan a visit that meets their needs.
Infrastructure and information are important—but real accessibility means creating spaces where people feel welcome and supported. That’s why we’ve partnered with Adventures Without Limits and Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection to host adaptive hiking, paddling, and fishing events in Oregon.
Adaptive Hikes & Paddles
We’ve co-hosted mid-day hikes at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and evening paddles on the Tualatin River at Cook Park. Each event includes a birding component led by Service staff, while Adventures Without Limits and the Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection focus on safety and adaptive gear. Even when birds are scarce, we share tips for identifying species and using tools like the Merlin Bird ID app, encouraging participants to keep birding beyond the event.
Adaptive Fishing Adventures
Fishing is a timeless way to connect with nature—and we’re making it accessible for more visitors to enjoy. Our adaptive fishing events have taken place at Blue Lake in Portland, St. Louis Fish Ponds in Gervais, Junction City Fish Ponds, Expo Pond in Medford, and Big Creek Reservoir in Newport. We choose locations on public land with accessible infrastructure and high success rates—often where trout have just been stocked or where invasive fish populations provide plenty of opportunities for a catch.
Before each event, partners help participants secure fishing licenses. At the event, Service staff and partners provide rods rigged for target species and adaptive equipment for individuals with limited hand function. And when the fish are biting? We clean them and share favorite recipes—because nothing beats enjoying the rewards of a great day outdoors.
Thoughtful Planning for Real Accessibility
Planning an accessible event means more than picking an accessible location. Our partners serving the disability community help us consider:
- Public transportation options for those who rely on them
- Weather conditions, avoiding extremely rainy/hot/cold seasons, especially for individuals with spinal cord injuries who face thermoregulation challenges
- Event timing, avoiding early mornings and instead scheduling mid-day or evening activities to accommodate visitors who need more time to get ready in the morning or who work during the day
Looking Ahead
Our mission is simple: make Oregon’s wild places more welcoming for everyone. We’re expanding partnerships, hosting more adaptive events, and finding new ways to connect people with nature—on our Refuges and beyond.
Together, we can build a vibrant community that celebrates the outdoors and ensures everyone has the chance to enjoy it.
Looking for resources to promote accessibility for all? Check these out:
Accessible Trails on National Wildlife Refuges
Tracked wheelchair now available at Iron River National Fish Hatchery
Trout Unlimited Improves Accessible Fishing Platform
Disabled angler access map from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Holding space for adaptive hunting
Shooting ranges for all
Recreational Activities
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