Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Powell Butte

This wonderful park in the outer southeast of Portland offers incredible views of the mountains and a variety of ecosystems, including meadows, forests, orchards, and wetlands. We will gather for some time in community, stroll or roll along one of the trails, and typically spend a lot of time identifying plants and just enjoying time outdoors.

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). We have a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair available for you to use.

Trail Description

There is a paved, generally accessible trail to the top of Powell Butte, with nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The trail is 0.75 mile one way and has a gentle but prolonged grade (generally 2-5%) with a few cracks and dips. Additional options include level gravel paths through the meadows, and natural surface trails with a few moderate grades through the forest. We will choose the option that best meets the needs of everyone present.

Amenities

The visitor center has an accessible restroom, water fountain, and picnic tables. Benches are also placed along the trails.

Pets

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

Cost

Free. Donations accepted. 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

Paved parking with van-accessible parking spots. Parking can be difficult on the weekends, so we recommend arriving early.

Transit

TriMet bus #9 or bus 74—SE Powell Blvd and 162nd Ave stop ID 13597, eastbound; or 164th Ave, stop ID 4609, westbound, each about a half mile uphill, to the visitor center. If you will be taking transit and need a ride uphill from the bus stop, please let us know and we will try to make arrangements. Paratransit may be available; Trimet LIFT customers should check for reservations. 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

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.