Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Disabled Hikers is celebrating Fall at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden! This wonderful oasis in the city is very accessible! The 9.5 acre garden has approximately one mile of trails and paths that can be completed in a variety of loops. It is home to an incredible display of rhododendron and azalea which bloom in late spring – early summer, but there is much to appreciate year-round. It is a prime spot for birds and wildlife, there is a spring-fed lake with a fountain, three waterfalls, and many benches to rest and enjoy the beauty. We'll stroll and roll along the paths and enjoy the fall experience.

Thanks to Friends of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, all attendees can enter the garden at half price regular admission - and no one will be turned away! If you do not qualify for the Community Access Program, Disabled Hikers will cover your admission if the cost is a barrier for you. We want everyone to be able to enjoy time outdoors in community with other Disabled folks. We will also have an electric wheelchair and mobility scooter available if you need it or would like to try using one!

Read the full Disabled Hikers guide to the Garden here.

Full details, including directions and meeting location, will be emailed to you after registration.

Trail Description

0.5 mile out and back or lollipop loop, generally flat with one ramp down to the gardens at a maximum 5-8% grade. The trail is a combination of paved, wooden boardwalk, and packed pea gravel.

Amenities

Accessible toilets, potable water, accessible parking, benches.

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to prevent accessibility conflicts.

Cost

Admission to the Garden for this event is: $4.50 General, $4 Seniors, $3 Youth. If you have a SNAP EBT, TriMet Honored Citizen, or WIC card, you and up to 3 additional people can pay-what-you-wish (including $0). Disabled Hikers will cover the admission fee for anyone who needs it.

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. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive.

Parking

Parking is extremely limited. There is a paved parking area with two ADA accessible parking spots and space for approximately 30 vehicles. Public transit, rideshare, or other transportation is encouraged.

Transportation

The closest Trimet bus stops are 6400 (Westbound Bus 19) and 7286 (Eastbound Bus 19), approximately 1 block away.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other languages interpreters are available on request; please allow 2 weeks to coordinate. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register!

Other Access Needs

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 an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We are emphatically anti-racist and LGBTQ+ affirming. 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!