Celebrate Disability Pride Month at an accessible outing with Disabled Hikers!

About the event

Come celebrate Disability Pride Month with Disabled Hikers! We will gather for a gentle outing at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge near Olympia. Bring your binoculars or digital birding tools and wildlife identification books, or just come enjoy some time appreciating nature.

Anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has personal lived experience of disability is welcome - we define these terms in the broadest way possible. Your supportive friends and family are also welcome. The group hikes together; we match the pace of the ‘slowest’ hiker and decide which trail to take and when to turn back as a group.

Trail Description 

There are several trail options, all of which are generally flat and accessible. Here is a trail map.

Twin Barns is a 1-mile loop trail through a mixed forest and estuary area - this trail is partially shaded and has benches. There are sections of asphalt, boardwalk, and gravel (we will confirm accessibility of the sections, update you, and adjust the hike accordingly). It connects to two overlooks with benches and viewing scopes. 

The Nisqually Estuary Trail is a 0.5-mile compact gravel trail, that leads to a 1-mile boardwalk over the salt marsh, mudflats, and river. Both trails are fairly exposed with few benches.

The total length of the trails if completed together is 4.5 miles. We will only hike the trail(s) that are accessible to everyone.

Pets 

Service animals are always welcome. Pets are not allowed in the refuge.

 Cost 

 An America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter the refuge, or a $3 entrance fee per four adults, cash or check only.  Anyone with a permanent disability qualifies for a free America the Beautiful Access Pass. You can get a pass at the visitor center. Disabled Hikers does not charge a fee, but Donations are welcome.

Masks 

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not.

Parking 

There is ample parking in two public lots with accessible parking spots.

Transit

None. We can not provide transportation, but we may be able to arrange for a carpool with other attendees. Just let us know when you register.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive Disabled-led and cross-disability focused organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We are explicitly anti-racist and LGBTQ+ affirming. We celebrate Disabled people's experiences in the outdoors; facilitate those experiences through events, trails guides, and resources; and advocate for social change.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you. Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first. If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!

RSVP