Wheelchairs and Mountains do Mix – In Washington’s National Parks

Ripon, CA, March 01, 2018 --(PR.com)-- At first glance Mount Rainier might not appear to be the best vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. After all, the namesake mountain towers some 14,000 feet over the surrounding national park. On the other hand, after you peruse Candy B. Harrington’s newest release -- Barrier-Free Travels; Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers – you’ll quickly realize that all three of the Evergreen State’s national parks offer accessible options for folks that use wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches.

This handy access guide includes information on accessible trails, attractions, and lodging options in and near Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks. Filled with useful access information the book contains:

*Photos and Access Details of all Park Lodges
*Information on Accessible Ranger-Led Tours
*Special Access Passes and Discounts
*Details on Accessible Trails and Attractions
*Scenic Drives and Accessible Viewpoints
*Barrier-Free Camping
*Locations of Loaner Wheelchairs
*Fly-Drive and Accessible Rental Van Information
*Updates on Recent Access Improvements

Admittedly Harrington had some doubts about the accessibility of these parks in the beginning too. “For a long time I listened to the nay-sayers who told me that North Cascades National Park wasn’t at all wheelchair-accessible,” explains Harrington. “But after I visited it, I discovered a veritable treasure trove of accessible trails along the North Cascades Highway, and I’m extremely excited to share them with my readers.”

This inclusive title is part of Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, moms who have stroller-aged kids will also appreciate the access information in this guide. More access resources for some of America’s top national parks can also be found on Harrington’s Barrier-Free National Parks website at www.barrierfreenationalparks.com.

Harrington’s new title also includes information about the progress of the Spruce Railroad Trail project in Olympic National Park. Located on the north shore of Lake Crescent, the trail follows the historic grade of the Spruce Railroad, which was abandoned in 1951. When completed, this 9-mile trail will connect the east and west trailheads, and the entire length will be paved and wheelchair-accessible. Says Harrington, “I’ve been following this project for years, and I’m looking forward to its completion in 2019, as it will effectively triple the length of accessible trails in the park.”

Known as the guru of accessible travel, Candy Harrington has covered this niche exclusively for over 20 years. She's the founding editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of a sizable library of accessible travel titles, including the classic, Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She also blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

Barrier-Free Travel; Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers ($7.95, ISBN: 978-0-9985103-2-3) is available at www.BarrierFreeOlympic.com.