As a mom to three, including a ten-year-old wheelchair user, I’m used to stressful vacation planning. Normally, when I read a list of amenities in a destination, my mind filters most things out, hoping we’ll at least be able to enjoy the pool, but definitely not counting on it.
Central Oregon is not that type of destination. As a destination full of Wheel of the World verified locations, I jumped right to the Wheel the World page to plan our family adventure, and I didn’t worry about filtering anything out. In fact, after creating a profile for my thrill-seeking son, I could sort activities based on how they matched his accessibility needs. We only looked at restaurants that were ramped or zero-entry, and I didn’t worry about calling any of them. We knew exactly what to expect before booking tickets to the High Desert Museum, and we had no trouble finding trails and adaptive activities that would work for all of us. Here are the things that made this wheelchair-accessible family adventure one for the books.
Inclusive Family Play at Sunriver Resort and Caldera Springs
A week spent in Sunriver without ever leaving the resort could still be a perfect vacation. The rooms and cabins are both stunning and comfortable, and there’s always something happening to keep the whole family entertained. We played pickleball and bocce, joined family yoga, went stargazing at the observatory, and spent hours enjoying three different pool areas.
Accessible Resort Activities at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver Resort is thoughtfully designed to welcome guests of all abilities. All common areas are accessible via ramps or lifts, and wheelchair users can reach every public area of the resort. The pickleball courts and bocce court were both easy to navigate, along with duckpin bowling and all of the family games at Forest House.
Like most resorts, though, accessibility varies by activity. If you’re planning to participate in a specific program, it’s worth reaching out ahead of time with any questions. Our yoga instructor was delightful and ready to accommodate mobility differences… though my son fell asleep before class even started. We chose to skip the trail ride because there wasn’t a ramp for mounting, and we weren’t confident we could safely transfer our son onto the horse.
The observatory is fully accessible, but depending on what’s being viewed, the telescopes are only reachable by climbing a ladder.
The Cove pools are accessible by lift indoors, and the outdoor pool offers a gradual zero-entry entrance.
The Lake House pool has zero entry.
Forest House has a lift for the soaking pool and a ramp into the main pool and lazy river.
All Abilities Adventure with Oregon Adaptive Sports
Oregon Adaptive Sports quickly became central to our travel planning. Their incredible workers and volunteers host community activities almost daily throughout the summer, which makes any time a great time to visit.
Adaptive Golf in Sunriver
If you’re staying in the resort, you won’t even need to use your car. OAS brings the gear, including an adaptive golf cart, and meets you at the resort golf course to practice your swing and share insights on better ways to golf based on your strengths. This was my ten-year-old’s first time on a real golf course, and nowhere could have been a better place to start.
Adaptive Biking in Central Oregon
Paved trails weave throughout Sunriver, with accessible routes both in town and through the area’s parks. There are plenty of paths to explore on wheels.
If you’re looking to pick up the pace, Oregon Adaptive Sports is the place to start. You can rent adaptive bikes on your own or join a group ride. We opted for the group ride because it fit our schedule and eliminated the hassle of picking up bikes and deciding where to ride.
A bonus was that we got to try a variety of adaptive bikes. If one wasn’t the right fit after a lap, we could simply swap it for another. I even had the chance to ride a tandem comfort bike with my oldest. As it turns out, my back is much happier with a full seat than a traditional bike saddle!
Adaptive Kayaking Near Sunriver
If the marina is too hard to use independently, connect with OAS for a Community Paddle and Play. The location varies, depending on weather and water levels. Transportation is available. You’ll have your pick of boat styles, along with the opportunity to experiment to see what works best for you. The views are always best from the water, and I’m grateful we didn’t have to pass on the adventure.
Wheelchair Hiking in Bend, Oregon
Central Oregon is all about the trails! If you’re visiting, it’s likely in part because of the diverse landscapes and stunning scenery that can be taken in from the trail. With the Advenchair, you don’t have to miss any of it. In fact, our biggest obstacle was deciding which trail to tackle first! This ultra-rugged hiking chair easily conquers boulders, sand, fallen trees, and even stairs. It does require at least one companion to push, and a second to help steer when terrain is exceptionally rugged. You can rent the chair for a half day or a full day or join a group hike. We took the chair out on our own to hike at our own pace.
These sports became the focal point of most of our days and enabled us to participate in the great outdoors in the same way every visitor aspires to. They were by no means the only thing we could do, but they were at the heart of the spirit of adventure.
Around Town Adventures
From charming small towns to unique local stops, there are plenty of gems along the way. Central Oregon is compact enough that it’s easy to split a day across towns. We spent most of our time in Sunriver and Bend.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Lava Lands Visitor Center is the perfect introduction to Central Oregon’s volcanic landscape. After watching the introductory film and checking out the museum inside, start with the paved trail right behind the visitor’s center. The accessible path takes you to incredible landscapes surrounded by lava rocks with interpretive exhibits along the way. When you’re done, hop on the shuttle to the top of Lava Butte for panoramic views.
Admission to the park is free with your America the Beautiful Pass. The shuttle is an additional fee.
The Last Blockbuster, Bend
It’s here! The famous last Blockbuster on the planet is in Bend, Oregon. You can still rent DVDs, or buy your favorite series to bring home. None of my kids knew what a Blockbuster was, and it was entertaining to listen to them try to figure out how a VHS might have been used. Even if you’re not up for a movie, it’s a fun stop packed with movie memorabilia, nostalgic displays, and souvenirs to remember your trip back in time.
Bugs Arcade, Sunriver Village
Speaking of 90’s nostalgia, Bugs Arcade offers dozens of classic and modern arcade games in a family-friendly atmosphere. You pay by the hour to play, and they offer family packages. There is a second story of games, and there’s no elevator. We enjoyed our time downstairs.
High Desert Museum
Don’t let the name fool you; it’s not just a museum. The High Desert Museum combines wildlife, history, art, and hands-on exhibits and experiences. We walked through a historic farm and mill, and stopped to visit the chickens and learn colonial games. Wide pathways, a clearly marked accessible route, automatic doors, and accessible exhibits and shows make it easy to explore at your own pace. There are live shows throughout the day. We arrived too late to catch Raptors of the Desert Sky, the most popular wildlife show occurring daily at 11:30 am, but we loved the diversity of the Desert Dwellers at 3:00. We got as close as we’d ever want to be to a skunk and a porcupine, and we still experienced a red-tailed hawk swooping just over our heads. The indoor shows like this are also easy to access, as they’re a part of the accessible route.
Books for the Journey
Books are everywhere in Sunriver and Bend! You can pick up a free book by the welcome desk at the Lake House in Caldera Springs, enjoy some quiet reading time at the Sunriver Public Library (you can even buy a library card for $20), and swap books out around town at several Little Free Libraries. Sunriver Books is a cozy place right in Sunriver Village to browse for your next read… maybe while you’re waiting for your table across the street at Sunriver Brewing.
When you make it to Bend, Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe is a smaller bookshop and coffee shop that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
Where to Eat
We ate a lot in Sunriver, but when you’re able to participate in all of the activities, you need all of the calories! I was impressed that there were so many impressive craft food and beverage options in a destination that I had assumed was outdoors-focused. There was no sacrifice on flavor.
Century Commons Taps & Trucks
With multiple food trucks surrounding a shared outdoor seating area, everyone in the family can order exactly what they’re craving. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an easy choice for groups with different tastes.
There are two paved accessible parking spaces in an otherwise gravel lot, leading to sidewalk paths. Accessible restrooms on site.
Sunriver Brewing Company
This place is popular, and for good reason! Known for hearty pub fare and local beer, its location in Sunriver Village makes it a hot spot. The wagyu sliders and mac and cheese were worth writing home about.
Space inside gets tight for a wheelchair when it’s crowded, but there are doors on all three sides of the building, making it easy to navigate to any seating by going around. Accessible restrooms are available both in the restaurant and directly across the sidewalk in the village.
Deschutes Brewery, Bend
One of Oregon’s most iconic breweries, Deschutes serves elevated pub food alongside its award-winning craft beer. The menu offers enough variety for the whole family, even if not everyone is there for the beer.
We did this one while we were still in the AdvenChair, and we had no problem navigating the wide spaces or using the accessible restroom.
Jackson’s Corner
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the focus here, with pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and hearty breakfasts that center around freshly baked breads. Don’t miss the sourdough.
Accessible entrance is around the side, indoor seating is spacious and easy to navigate, and there are accessible restrooms. We enjoyed the picnic area outside, but it did require a wheelchair transfer.
Marcello’s Cucina Italiana
Italian night is always a win! Marcello’s serves classic pasta dishes, pizza, and comfort food favorites. Everyone loved their pasta dishes, but my favorite was the children’s library, which gave us a peaceful wait.
Wheelchair users should note that the accessible entrance is located through the lounge rather than the main entrance. There are accessible seating options both inside and out and accessible restrooms on site.
Hot Lava Bakery
While there’s space for a wheelchair inside, if you order in advance, you don’t even have to enter. You can have your larger-than-life pastries and handcrafted espresso passed to you through the delivery window. There’s accessible seating both inside and out, and I highly recommend you plan on sharing – your eyes may be bigger than your stomach, but so are these donuts!
Josie K’s Deli
Josie K’s is famous for their meatloaf and take-and-bake meals. I didn’t get to try either of those, but I did get to experience the best turkey sandwich of my entire life. Don’t leave Sunriver without stopping here.
The entrances are level with the sidewalk, and there’s space to navigate with a chair. There are accessible seating options both inside and out. The restrooms are tucked away in the back, but accessible.
Cafe Sintra
It’s probably best that we ate here last, or we may not have gone anywhere else! The oversized pastries were as beautiful as they were delicious, and the savory meals were creative and seasoned just right.
The entrance is street-level, the layout is spacious enough for a wheelchair, and there are accessible restrooms available. Accessible seating is also available outside.
Accessible Accommodations in Sunriver
I’ve mentioned some of the accessible fun available in Sunriver, but don’t forget it’s also a great place to sleep. Between Sunriver Resort and Caldera Springs, there are accommodation options for every family size and travel style. I’ve experienced the beautiful Sunriver rooms before, but this time we had a house in Caldera Springs. The portable ramp made transitions easy, the spacious floor plan made it feel like a home away from home, and the extra amenities like a hot tub and fire pit reminded us that we were on vacation. The refrigerator has a low freezer drawer for easy access, and we were able to have a shower chair delivered for our low-lip (4’) enclosed shower.
Your Next Trip
Before this trip, I expected to spend my time crossing things off our wish list. Instead, I spent the week adding to it. From adaptive sports and rugged hiking trails to accessible restaurants, resort amenities, and family attractions, Central Oregon made it easy to focus on the adventure instead of the logistics.
No destination is perfectly accessible, and every family has different needs. But Central Oregon stands out because accessibility isn’t treated as an afterthought. It’s woven into the experience, from planning through Wheel the World to booking onsite adventures with OAS, giving families like mine the confidence to explore farther, try something new, and spend less time wondering if something will work.
If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to experience the Pacific Northwest with a wheelchair user, this is a perfect ready-made destination.
