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

About the event

In the spirit of Disability Pride Month, we invite you to join us for an accessible group hike in Portland at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. We plan to stroll and roll the Interlakes Trail through the wetlands. Alternatively, we can take a portion of the Marine Drive Trail along the lakes if the Interlakes Trail is not accessible to everyone.

Trail Description

Interlakes Trail: 1 mile, generally flat and paved, minimum 4 feet wide. There are a few boardwalks made of metal grates with no edge guards that lead to optional viewpoints. (Note: this description is from 2020/2021)

It is 0.3 mile along the Marine Drive trail (with road traffic noise) to the Interlakes trailhead. The Interlakes trail continues paved through cottonwoods. There are a couple of short 5% inclines on slightly rough pavement over the next 0.2 mile. At 0.5 mile, there is a paved overlook of the wetlands with a bench and wooden barrier. An optional loop leads to an observation deck - this section of the trail has a couple of 5-8% inclines, cracked pavement, and a long metal boardwalk that leads to an observation deck with 1.25 inch wide grates and no edge guards. The loop continues on the metal grate boardwalk with a 1 - 1.5 inch lip at the transfer point back onto pavement.

The paved trail continues with a couple of short 5-8% inclines and sections of uneven and cracked pavement. There is another bench at an overlook of the lake. You continue along the wetlands to another observation deck at the end of the trail - the same type of metal boardwalk leads approximately 15 feet to the deck, also made of metal grates.

Amenities

Accessible restrooms and drinking fountain at the parking area

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are not allowed on the Interlakes Trail.

Cost

Free. Donations accepted.

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

Two ADA accessible parking spots with plenty of paved parking, both diagonal and parallel.

Transit

TriMet Route 11 stops about 1/4 mile from the parking lot. There is no crosswalk on the road, but you can take the paved Marine Drive Trail to the parking area.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group.

All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

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