Discover Travelable, Visitable & Accessible Adventures and Destinations
Renowned for its scenic beauty, rugged coastline, and pristine beaches, the Southern Oregon Coast is a treasure trove of adventures waiting for you! And here’s the best part—it’s not just for the ultra-fit explorers. The South Coast welcomes everyone to discover our natural wonders, regardless of physical ability.
And, accessible travel isn’t just about access—it’s about comfort and inclusivity, letting you dive into all the fun without unnecessary obstacles. Travel operators and tourism organizations here are committed to making journeys as smooth as possible by removing pesky barriers. We’re excited about our growing accessibility features for recreation, and are striving to make our coast as travelable and visitable as possible.
Paddle from ADA-Compliant Kayak Launches
Paddling through the tranquil waters of the Southern Oregon Coast offers a uniquely soothing and exhilarating experience. To ensure everyone can join in on the fun, several spots along the South Coast Kayak Trail have added ADA-compliant kayak launches, with more on the way. These launches make it safe and easy for individuals with mobility limitations to access the water.You can find these accessible launches on Eel Lake in William M. Tugman State Park and Tenmile Lake in Lakeside, Empire Lakes in John Topits Park in Coos Bay, Rogue River at the Port of Gold Beach, Coquille River at the Port of Bandon. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just looking to try something new, grab your paddle and row!
Cast Off on Accessible Fishing Piers
Fishing is a delightful and relaxing activity that can be made available to everyone. Fishing enthusiasts with disabilities can join in the fun without barriers at several awesome spots on the South Coast. We have fishing piers suitable for wheelchairs located at Eel Lake in Tugman State Park, Loon Lake southeast of Reedsport, Winchester Creek in Winchester Bay, Tenmile Lake in Lakeside, Upper Empire Lake in John Topits Park in Coos Bay, and at the Bandon and Brookings-Harbor Marinas. Bring your rod and reel and cast off!
Access the Beach on an All-Terrain Chair or Mobi-Mat
David’s Chair is a fantastic initiative that offers specialized chairs designed for navigating sandy terrains and rough paths. Equipped with large, all-terrain wheels and cozy seating, these electric track chairs glide effortlessly across the beach. Available at the Gold Beach and Coos Bay Visitor Centers, a track chair can be reserved online for free by individuals with mobility disabilities at davidschair.org. Additionally, AccessAble Adventures in Brookings offers all-terrain beach wheelchairs and walkers, also free of charge.
These all-terrain mobility equipment make visiting the Southern Oregon Coast even more magical, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the incredible splendor of our beaches. Come experience the coast like never before!
Gold Beach also offers Mobi-mats! These simple and cost-effective temporary pathways are designed to provide weatherproof access over uneven terrain for individuals with mobility challenges. Introducing these mats opens up our beaches to everyone.
Roll Around on Scenic Overlooks and Trails
Many Oregon cities, parks, and nature reserves have rolled out wheelchair-accessible hiking trails and scenic overlooks. These trails and overlooks are typically paved or firmly packed down for smooth navigation, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully enjoy the coastal landscapes, observe wildlife, and breathe in the fresh air.
Near Reedsport, you can roll along the Oregon Dunes Loop Overlook and Siltcoos Lagoon Trails, or enjoy elk-spotting at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. In Charleston, Shore Acres State Park offers approachable views of other-worldly sandstone cliffs and a charming formal flower garden with wheelchairs available to borrow. Nearby, Simpson Reef Overlook is perfect for some seal-spotting fun. And, for an easy, breezy excursion, roll down Big Cedar Trail in the South Slough Reserve.
In North Bend, Horsfall Beach features a convenient walkway, providing accessible beach access from the parking lot over the foredune. The North Bend Boardwalk, situated between Virginia and California Avenues, offers a picturesque and easily accessible location. Additionally, Ferry Road Park boasts wide, paved trails meandering through its scenic expanse. Nearby in Coos Bay, the Boardwalk not only offers fabulous river views, but also features informative exhibits examining the area’s rich history. Over at Mingus Park, a footpath around the lake takes you on a pleasurable trip through an exquisite Japanese garden.
Bullards Beach State Park in Bandon offers views of the Coquille River Lighthouse, and Coquille Point offers some of the most impressive sea stacks on the Oregon coast. In Port Orford, you’ll be treated to some of the most remarkable views at Battle Rock Wayside Park—a must-see on the coast! And for a bit of action, the Oregon Coast Trail at Humbug Mountain State Park will get you wheeling. Further south in Brookings, you’ll find Harris Beach State Park and Crissey Field Loop to Ocean Beach Trail, ready to welcome you with open arms.
These accessible trails make exploring the stunning Oregon coast a treat. See you out there!
Additional Accessible Recreation Opportunities
Additional recreation opportunities exist with Jerry’s Rogue Jets in Gold Beach for a one-of-kind boat tour up the wild and scenic Rogue River. In Brookings, Kidtown in Azalea Park is ADA-compliant, and the municipal swimming pool in Bud Cross Park boasts a chair lift. For a unique experience, book a special outing with Adventures without Limits. They’ve teamed with Oregon State Parks to provide inclusive outdoor activities throughout Oregon.
If You Go – Where to Stay
Hotels
Several hotels on the South Coast offer accessible rooms to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Wheel the World recommends the Mill Casino Hotel and Edgewater Inn in Coos Bay, as well as Jot’s Resort and Pacific Reef Hotel in Gold Beach. If you’re heading to Bandon, check out Windermere on the Beach, and for those venturing to Brookings, the Beachfront Inn has a room for you. Plus, the well-known Best Western chain has ADA-compliant rooms in Reedsport, Bandon, Coos Bay, and Gold Beach.
Camping (and Glamping!)
Oregon State Parks is dedicated to making camping possible for everyone. Whether you’re observing the scenic beauty of Cape Blanco and Humbug Mountain near Port Orford, enjoying the tranquil settings of Loeb State Park and Harris Beach in Brookings, or soaking up the sun at Horsfall Beach in North Bend, there’s a campsite for every camper. And let’s not forget the picturesque Tugman State Park in Lakeside, the alluring Bullards Beach north of Bandon, and the serene Quosatana Campground in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Gold Beach. For a touch of unique charm, head to Edson Creek Campground near Langlois, or the coastal delights of Sunset Bay State Park and Bastendorff Beach County Park near Charleston.
Into glamping? Oregon State Parks offers accessible yurts that provide a cozy and convenient stay. You can find these comfy accommodations at Tugman, Bullards Beach, and Umpqua Lighthouse State Parks.
Looking for more options? Check out the Bandon/Port Orford KOA, recommended by Wheel the World, or the Osprey Point RV Resort Park in Lakeside. Osprey Point not only offers accessible camping, it also features an accessible pub and restaurant—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Get Ready for Your Inclusive Adventure
Ready to find your inclusive adventure? The South Coast is an ideal destination for inclusive travel, offering a welcoming environment where everyone can unwind, connect with nature, and embrace adventure.
Whether you’re kayaking out of an ADA-compliant launch, traversing the beach on an all-terrain track chair, or participating in a myriad of other inclusive activities available here, this region ensures that all visitors can create memorable and fulfilling journeys. And, we are continually enhancing our infrastructure to make our local treasures available to everyone. Drive on over and prepare for an unforgettable journey on the Southern Oregon Coast, where everyone’s invited!
**Header image by Manuela Durson Photography
