Accessible Trails in Lane County Oregon
(Coastal Area)

This section is split into three regions: Cape Perpetua and coastal area between Yachats and Florence, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area just south of Florence, and the coastal range east of Florence.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Whispering Spruce Trail

Directions:

Located on Hwy 101 three miles south of Yachats, turn East on the Cape Perpetua Day use, Forest Road # 55. The paved road winds 2 miles to the top of the cape.

Features:

From the parking lot, there's access to the wide gravel trail with railing that skirts the cape for a quarter of a mile, with occasional benches along the way. The trail is not considered ADA accessible, though some wheelchair users may negotiate it with assistance. Abled-bodied companions can continue on the trail to a stone shelter constructed during the 1930s. The shelter, on a clear day, affords a view encompassing approximately 150 miles north to south - from Cape Foulweather all the way down to Cape Blanco and 40 miles out to sea. This section of the trail has some slippery, root-covered ground. For those who can't take the gravel path, there are benches and picnic tables near the parking lot offering views south and west.

Note: The description below is straight from the Suislaw National Forest Web site. Kudos to whomever documented this - it is very helpful don't you think? The 12% grade would be difficult for my scooter since with my weight, it would probably pop a circuit breaker. But wheelchair users with strong assistance might be able to negotiate this.

"Perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Whispering Spruce Trail winds 750 ft to a historic rock viewing shelter. This trail provides exceptional views of the Oregon coastline and forest. Designed to be universally accessible, the trail is rated from moderate to difficult. Resting areas and benches are provided.The first view opportunity and bench is approximately 100 ft from the parking area, trail grade ranges from 0 to 8%. From the bench, the trail winds through forest with coastal overlooks, trail grades range from 8% to 12% for 300 feet, rest areas are provided every 50 feet. The trail then intersects with the return loop in a level resting area, and proceeds another 200 ft, with two more rest areas provided before the final 150 ft. of trail to the historic rock viewing shelter. The final 150 ft. of trail is easy, with an average grade of 2%. The 550 ft return loop from the shelter provides a view of Yachats, the northern coastline, and the forest vegetation atop the Cape. Trail grades are easy to moderate 0 to 8%".

Other:

There is a restroom at the parking lot. This is a fee area, but the fee is worth taking in the view at one of the best coastal overlooks that can be reached by car.

The Cape Perpetua overlook has handicap accessible ramps to a spectacular view 800 feet above the ocean. From the Cape Perpetua Viewpoint, visitors can get a full view of the area below, including the many tidepools, the Spouting Horn, and the Devil's Churn.

The Visitor Information Center offers guided naturalist programs, walks, interpretive exhibits, and panoramic views of rockbound coast. Exhibits on forestry and marine life in the area (541-547-3289).

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area - Additional Trails

Besides the Whispering Spruce Trail noted above, there are other trails from the Interpretive Center that provide visitors with up-close views of the Devils Churn, Spouting Horn, and tide pools. These trails contain some ups and downs which some slow walkers may not want to try, but many trails are wide enough for wheelchair users with assistance.

These easy trails are not classified as ADA accessible, but are included here for those able to try them out.

Captain Cook Trail (to tidepools)

This 0.6-mile paved loop trail heads down from the Interpretive Center going under Highway 101 and winding through wind-sculpted forest to a blowhole called "Spouting Horn." At high tide the Spouting Horn can be observed across Cook's Chasm. The sea water is funneled between ancient lava deposit on the shore and explodes into spray. Given enough wave action, water bubbles up through fissures in the basalt.

The Spouting Horn, is wheelchair accessible part way to a point that still provides a great view especially during winter when the waves are higher and more frequent.

Cape Cove Trail (to beach)
0.3-mile trail past Cape Cove Beach connecting the Captain Cook Trail to the Trail of Restless Waters. Paved, easy walk.

Trail of Restless Waters (to Devil's Churn)
0.4-mile loop from the Devil's Churn parking area, past Devil's Churn along the lava rocks and tide pools to join the Cape Cove Trail 0.7-mile from the Interpretive Center. Watch for sneaker waves. Wheelchair accessible to ocean overlook. Paved, but steep trail. Below is photo of Devil's Churn Overlook.

Giant Spruce Trail
2.0 miles round trip from the Interpretive Center to a 500 year-old Giant Spruce. The trail parallels Cape Creek from the interpretive center past the campground and goes through old growth forest with lush ferns, skunk cabbage, and the sound of birds. Labeled a fairly easy hike, it does has some hills, and is not considered accessible.

Holman Vista Trail - Sutton Creek

Directions:

Five miles north of Florence.

Features:

Holman Vista trail is wheelchair accessible to the viewing deck with a view of Sutton Creek. The remainder of the trail system is surrounded by a coastal forest with numerous berries, and beautiful rhododendron plants and also open sand dunes. See Siuslaw web site for a map of the Sutton Creek trails.

Other:

Restrooms at the trailhead parking lot

Darlingtonia Bog Trail - Sutton Creek

Directions:

Five miles north of Florence off Hwy 101. Follow the signage for the Darlingtonia State Natural Site.

Features:

The park has a short wheelchair accessible loop trail through a bog area overlooking patches of Darlingtonia. This wayside is a botanical preserve where you may observe Darlingtonia californica, an unusual plant which traps and digests insects.They flower in May or June with hanging blooms of yellow and red and produce up to a dozen leaves per plant. Erect seed pods remain most of the summer.

The short trail is alongside Sutton Creek. See Siuslaw web site for a map of the Sutton Creek trails.

Other:

Restrooms at the parking lot.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Wind-sculpted sand dunes towering to 500 feet above sea level provide numerous recreational opportunities including off-highway vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and camping. Visitors enjoy thick “tree islands”, open dunes, marsh-like deflation plains and beaches.

For the most part, sand is not a friend to mobility devices, but there are several accessible trails in the area to get a sampling of the dunes environment.

Lagoon Loop Trail

Directions:

7 miles South of Florance off Hwy 101. West on Siltcoos Road, 1.5 miles on right side. Trailhead is located in campground.

Features:

1 mile easy trail that meanders across wooden boardwalks, viewing platforms and paths alongside the Siltcoos River Lagoon. See Siuslaw web site for map.

Other:

Restrooms at the trailhead parking lot.

A great place to camp is Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park three miles south of Florence on scenic Highway 101. It has accessible facilities and is the second largest overnight camp in the state.

Siltcoos holds largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, bullhead, cutthroat trout, and is annually stocked with rainbow trout.

Taylor Dunes Trail

Directions:

7.5 miles South of Florence off Hwy 101. Sign at entrance.

Features:

1 mile easy to moderate trail past Taylor Lake and through sand dunes to meet up with the Carter Dunes trail. The first ½ mile is accessible with two view decks and a bench with great vistas of the lake and it’s many birds and aquatic animals, sand dunes, marsh-like deflation plains and the ocean. See Siuslaw web site for map.

Other:

Restrooms at the trailhead parking lot.

Oregon Dunes Overlook Trail

Directions:

10 miles South of Florence mile post 201 Hwy 101.

Features:

Three viewing platforms, all handicap-accessible by wooden boardwalks. The one-mile trail is paved and accessible for the first ½ mile to a viewing area and several picnic sites. The trail then turns and goes down to the open dunes that lead to the beach. Click the sign thumbnail to see larger photo of the sign at the trailhead.

Other:

Accessible restrooms and picnic tables. See Siuslaw web site for map.

Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk

Directions:

Just off Hwy 101 in Old Town Florence - Corner of Nopal and Bay Streets.

Features:

A short 450 foot boardwalk on the Port of Siuslaw adjacent to Florence's Old Town district. Note: If you are planning to shop or gallery walk, contact the specific businesses to ensure accessibility.

Homestead Trail - Coast Range

Directions:

This trail is in the coastal mountains 15 miles east of Florence. Drive Highway 126 to the Siuslaw River Bridge in Mapleton. Cross the bridge from town and immediately turn west on Sweet Creek Road for 10.2 paved miles. Then take a paved turnoff to the right to the Homestead Trailhead turnaround.

Features:

A short segment of the Sweet Creek trail system beginning at the Homestead Trailhead is wheel chair accessible. The trail winds along Sweet Creek, where water cascades down numerous falls, offering a variety of opportunities to enjoy the unique outdoor experience. Although not wheelchair accessible the 2.2-mile round-trip trail to Sweet Creek Falls is easy for slow walkers, gaining just 350 feet of elevation. In April and May, woodland wildflowers bloom, including big white trilliusm and pink fawn lilies.

Other:

Accessible restroom at the Homestead Trailhead. See Siuslaw web site for map.