Disabled Hikers & Salem Capital Pride Group Hike: Willamette Park & Natural Area

Salem Capital Pride and Disabled Hikers are collaborating to bring you an accessible community outing at Willamette Park and Natural Area. We will stroll, roll, or ride along a paved, wheelchair accessible path along the river. The group will take breaks whenever needed, and we will match the pace of everyone present. We'll have plenty of time to talk, hang out and enjoy the riverside.

This event is open to LGBTQIA+ people, and/or people who are disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise have personal lived experience of disability. Your family, friends, and caregivers are welcome!

We will have an electric wheelchair and/or mobility scooter available if you need it or would like to try using one!

Please read all of the below information. Full details, including directions and meeting location, will be emailed to you after registration.

Trail Description

Willamette Park multi-use trail: up to 3.5 miles round trip, paved, flat.

A paved, multi-use trail runs the length of the park, traveling between sports fields, along the river bank, and the forest. Several natural surface and gravel trails branch off from the paved trail, leading to the river or other adventures. We will decide which trail to take based on everyone's needs and the trail conditions. You do not have to complete the entire trail; someone will go back with you if you want to turn around.

Amenities

Accessible restrooms, benches, and picnic tables.  There are portable toilets at the start of the trail, and an accessible restroom at the midway or turnaround point. There are some benches throughout, but you may want to bring something to sit on if you need it.

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. The majority of the park is off-leash friendly, so pets who are comfortable in group settings may attend.

Cost

There is no fee to attend.

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

There is a large paved parking lot at the north end of the park with at least seven ADA accessible parking spots. The parking area on the south end is gravel and not accessible.

Transportation

Public transit is available. The nearest stop is 0.3 mile from the park.

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!

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is a queer disabled-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. 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.

About Salem Capital Pride

Salem Capital Pride is a queer-led non-profit group in Salem, Oregon who celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community. Salem Capital Pride seeks to educate, celebrate, and connect the LGBTQ+ community and our allies throughout the Central Willamette Valley through events, dissemination of information, and community partnerships.

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!