Ten accessible Hikes in British Columbia + Ten in Washington = Lots of Wilderness to Explore
After finding an article with ten accessible hikes in British Columbia, which are spread across the province from Victoria, B.C. north to Saint George and west to Haida Gwaii and Tofino, I was inspired to find out more.
British Columbia, BC Options
Destination B.C. lists 10 hiking trails to explore when accessibility is a consideration. Most are paved and smooth, while a few provide a variety of surfaces. One even offers all-terrain wheelchairs on loan for those wanting to go off-trail. What?! That’s AWESOME!
You can see the full list for yourself here, but these are a couple of my favorites:
NAIKOON PROVINCIAL PARK, HAIDA GWAII
Formerly a freight railway line during WWI, the Galloping Goose is now part of the Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, spanning 55 km (34 mi) from Victoria to Sooke on southern Vancouver Island. Access points are available throughout the trail, allowing for a variety of hikes ranging from a few hours to several days, taking you from Victoria’s urban streets to Douglas fir forests to Sooke’s famous potholes.
On the northern tip of Haida Gwaii you’ll find extended wooden boardwalks. There are also high-contrast tactile interpretive panels with braille and audio for the visually impaired. The main boardwalk forks at a junction: the top portion is a steep hike to the top of Tow Hill, while the 1-km (0.6-mi) lower portion remains barrier-free leading to the Hiellen River Estuary and ocean views. You can see Alaska from the lookout on a clear day.
You can experience a virtual hike of the trail on the Access BC website developed by Spinal Cord Injury BC.
THE GALLOPING GOOSE, VICTORIA
Formerly a freight railway line during WWI, the Galloping Goose is now part of the Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, spanning 55 km (34 mi) from Victoria to Sooke on southern Vancouver Island. Access points are available throughout the trail, allowing for a variety of hikes ranging from a few hours to several days, taking you from Victoria’s urban streets to Douglas fir forests to Sooke’s famous potholes.
Washington State Options
The Washington Trails Association (WTA) lists ten accessible hikes all across Washington State. Whether you or a member of your hiking party is in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, encouraging young children to hike, recovering from an injury or just beginning a fitness routine for the first time, Washington offers many hiking opportunities. See the full list, here.
From mountains to seashore, eastern or western Washington, these accessible hikes will thrill the senses. A couple of my favorites are:
SEAQUEST STATE PARK – SILVER LAKE
Distance: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Trail Type: Variable, ADA-Accessible trail
Season: Spring – Fall
COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL
Mount St. Helens may be on full display at Silver Lake (an accessible telescope is often available for close-up volcano viewing), but it’s best to keep your eyes on the lakes and forests along the trail. A haven for local wildlife, Silver Lake might just treat you to a glimpse of deer, elk, owls or even bear!
Location: Spokane area
Distance: 48 miles of ADA-accessible trails
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Trail Type: ADA-Accessible paved trail
Season: Spring – Fall
Pick your own adventure on this 143-mile stretch of reclaimed railroad that extends from Spokane to Pasco. Though most accessible at the Cheney Trailhead, this railroad trail includes ADA-Accessible hikes through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, and family-friendly routes at the Snake River Junction Trailhead.
>> Visit Columbia Plateau Trail
More for your accessible lifestyle
Need to update equipment for this level of adventure? Check out our past post about the best designs, both practical and stylish, for accessible living, here.