Tag: http://www.traveloregon.com/

America, Countries

Why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel

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So in the state where they let ’er buck they never let ’er buckle… or why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel.

Now if you’re either hell on wheels yourself or have travelled with wheelchair adventurers you’ll know.

That disabled travellers are always prepared to go the extra mile.

And often have to because too many destinations still don’t cater for even the most basic accessibility needs.

Bang for your buck

Getting around: See the sights

Definitely not so, though, with the Beaver state, which has become the first in the Oo Es of Eh to get Wheel the World Accessibility Verified.

The designation elevates transparency and promotes inclusivity in travel experiences.

For those with visible and non-visible disabilities.

This milestone marks the improvements in the accessibility of tourism businesses across all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions.

From hotels and outdoor adventure experiences to cultural attractions and culinary experiences.

Your accessibility guide

Let ‘er buck: Oregon

Oregon is now the first state to offer disabilities travel itineraries as an online resource. 

Now WTW has done the heavy lifting for us here.

Assessing more than 750 hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in 43 communities.

With more to come, and all Travel Oregon Welcome Centers.

Evaluating mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive features.

On the lake with Kaylee

Spinniin’ around: Debbie North

Now to bring the story to life, Travel Oregon and Wheel the World partnered with accessibility advocate Kaylee Bays.

With Kathleen being the first wheelchair user to compete on So You Think You Can Dance.

Hat’s the boy: Bandanaman goes Oregon cowboy hat

We can only imagine our old pal and Yorkshire disability advocate from joint travels in Germany, Debbie, was busy.

Kaylee shares her journey with her 140,000 followers on Instagram.

Helping to inspire a wide audience with her experiences. Kaylee explored Oregon’s accessible offerings.

Kayak Kaylee

Fun and games: On Kosmer Lake

Experiencing the dramatic landscapes of Smith Rock.

And kayaking Hosmer Lake in Central Oregon with the backdrop of the stunning mountains.

“I used to assume nature wasn’t something I could really be part of. Oregon showed me that I was wrong,” said Kaylee.

Let ’er buck, not buckle

Wigwam bam: Kaylee

Kaylee, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a degenerative condition she was diagnosed with at 21 added: ‘It opened a whole new world for me.’

With accessibility data now visible and bookable online, travellers can explore detailed listings.

So let ’er buck, not buckle, it’s time to freewheel around the great state of Oregon.

We found return flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin with pre-clearance for a sample week next month from €875.09.

America, Countries

Shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies

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It wouldn’t have been half as scary with big slobbering St Bernards but that’s how they’re shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

Now if Timberline Lodge on Oregon’s mighty Mount Hood looks familiar it’s because it is.

As the exterior shot for the American cult horror movie The Shining.

Visitors though expecting a manic Jack Nicholson breaking through the door or eerie twins will have to use their imagination.

Dan and the man: In Yale

Because it’s more fur than fear at Timberline Lodge where the VIPs, yourself included, of course, are its mascot puppies.

And we do love a mascot puppy, like Yale’s Handsome Dan.

Oregon’s mascots

Hugs all round: Our puppy pals

Heidi and Bruno are the latest in a line of esteemed St Bernards to take up residence at the ski lodge.

H&B are the 10th and 12th dogs to join the historic, decades long tradition at Timberline Lodge.

When the lodge opened in 1937, St. Bernards were chosen because of their long association with mountain rescues in the Swiss Alps. 

A dog’s world: St Bernards heaven

They symbolise safety, loyalty, and mountain heritage.

Hansel and Gretel were the first puppies, followed by Lady and Bruel.

For decades, these dogs lived at Timberline, roaming the lodge freely and greeting countless visitors, skiers, and climbers.

Not to be overlooked

Don’t worry: Johnny is not here

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

And famously used by Stanley Kubrick for the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Timberline Lodge draws nearly two million visitors every year.

Considered an architectural wonder, it’s still being used for its original intent—ski lodge and mountain retreat. 

Winter wonderland

Daddy of them all: Pater Bruno

Timberline is home to North America’s longest ski season.

In the height of winter in this great outdoorsy state, the ground floor is typically fully buried in snow.

With entry through a snow tunnel, or directly into the second floor.

The specs from our Oregon pals reveal that the lodge has, get this, a pub and restaurant.

And, of course, the St. Bernards and how better to be greeted by these cuddles after a full day on the slopes. 

Those pleading puppy eyes

Let it snow: For dogs and us alike

It is the only resort too in North America with lift-served skiing available throughout the summer should you wish to visit then.

Which will offer summer skiing and snowboarding on its high-altitude snowfield.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing during the warmer months.

Lie back: And think of Portland

So that Timberline Lodge is an all-year destination.

And we’re happy to be shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

And who can resist those wet noses and pleading St Bernards puppy eyes?

What’s the deal?

All mod cons: And a pub and a restaurant

Portland International Airport is the nearest airport, 60 miles north-west of the lodge.

Average nightly rates from $242.86 to $377.86.