Disabled Hikers Gathering: Lower Macleay Park, Portland (July)

Join Disabled Hikers for a community gathering and stroll or roll at Lower Macleay Park. This is one of the only accessible locations in Forest Park, and features a short trail along the creek, a covered shelter, and accessible picnic tables and restroom, with recent accessibility improvements. And now, you can access the park even easier with a free express shuttle! The new Forest & Washington Park Express shuttle runs on Fridays and Saturdays, and connects East, North, and Northeast Portland to Forest and Washington Park. The buses are lift-equipped. More transportation details are below.

This is a casual gathering, and you are welcome to arrive or leave at any time. This event is open to anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability - we define this very broadly. Your family, friends, and caregivers are welcome. Families with children may also attend, but note that this is an adult-oriented event.

We will have some free swag and snacks available! Face masks are required unless your disability prevents it (see more about our mask policy below).

Trail Description

0.2 mile wheelchair accessible trail through the forest along Balch Creek to a small overlook of the creek. The paved path is 4-5 feet wide with typical grade of 2-5% and a max grade of 8% for a few feet. There is a short wooden bridge over the creek with a smooth transfer onto horizontal boards.

Amenities

Accessible restroom, picnic tables, water fountain, covered shelter

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to reduce potential conflict and accessibility issues.

Cost

Free. Masks Required and Scent-free

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. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive. Read more about our mask policy: https://www.disabledhikers.com/mask-policy

Parking

Parking is very limited. There are three ADA parking spots at the park, and street parking in surrounding neighborhoods. Transit is recommended.

Transit

Forest and Washington Park Express Shuttle (link): For our event, you can take the Northeast Line or the East Line directly to Lower Macleay.

Here are the recommended times:

Northeast Line: Parkrose Transit Center at 10:00am, Peninsula Park Community Center at 10:25am East Line: East Portland Community Center at 9:45am, Gateway Transit Center at 10:00am

You can also make a return trip on the shuttle to the Northeast, East, or Park Loop lines. Details will be provided at registration.

You can also take TriMet bus lines 15, and 77  to Lower Macleay trailhead. Both require traveling 0.4 mile on sidewalks and residential streets with 6-8% grades. You can plan your trip with TriMet, or use TriMet Lift Paratransit services. Read a detailed description of how to access the trailhead via public transit.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other languages interpreters are available on request; please allow 10 days to coordinate. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register!

Other Access Needs

Note that there may some noise from vehicle traffic on a bridge over the park.

We strive to uphold an access-centered framework for our events. If you have other access needs or request for accommodation, please let us know at registration and we will work with you to ensure an accessible experience.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is a disabled-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We are firmly anti-racist and LGBTQ+ affirming. We celebrate Disabled people's experiences, facilitate those experiences with resources and events, and challenge the dominant narrative of who and what kinds of experiences are considered valid in the outdoors. 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.