Access all areas
Rockaway Beach makes great strides in accessibility
Photo by Tillamook Coast Visitors Association
By Chelsea Yarnell
For the TODAY
For years, Oregonians have remained dedicated to keeping the coastline public and open to all. And work continues to ensure that people of all ability levels have access to the beauty of the shore, particularly in Rockaway Beach.
Within the past month, the city unveiled a new ramp and stairs that lead from the Ocean’s Edge Wayside parking lot and sidewalks, directly down to the sandy beach.
“That’s a real game changer,” said Rockaway Beach Mayor Charles McNeilly. “People can now get comfortably to the beach.”
McNeilly shared an anecdote (told to him by a Rockaway Beach city councilor) about the impact the project is having on visitors’ experiences. An older couple, who were capable of walking unassisted, had experienced some trouble getting down the rocks to access the beach on a prior visit.
“Now, they can walk down the stairs or the ramp and go out and enjoy the beach,” McNeilly said. “It really opened up the beach to other people who may not have a device, but they still are a little shaky and don’t want to risk the sand and the rocks that were there before. So, as a community, we’re just hugely proud of that.”
Accessibility has become a large focus and awareness for development projects in Rockaway Beach. Significant investment was dedicated to improving the area at the Ocean’s Edge Wayside and at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad platform.
“Previously, to access the wayside and beach, which is our hub, people had to cross railroad tracks. It was difficult for people in many types of mobility devices,” McNeilly said. “A year ago, the City of Rockaway Beach and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad partnered for a big upgrade, so now it’s very easy for people to come across the tracks.”
And, in a boon for people with mobility issues who want to visit on the actual beach and sand, Rockaway Beach was recently selected as a location to house a David’s Chair. The motorized wheelchair can be used on the beach and rougher terrain. The chair is kept at St. Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church and is free to use with reservations for up to two hours.
“We’re really excited about this accessibility tool that’s now available,” McNeilly said. “Our partnership with St. Mary’s has made that possible.”
Beach wheelchairs, including a child’s size and beach walker, are also free to use from Troxel’s Gem and Jewelry Sore.
A few streets over from the beach, Anchor Street Playground is also a draw for families. The park boasts two, age-based playground structures and picnic tables. And the entire area is surfaced with ADA-compliant material.
“It’s easy for children or adults with mobility devices to roll around on the playground. That’s been hugely successful,” McNeilly said. “I drive and walk by often and it just really warms my heart to see families there enjoying the playground and interacting with each other.”
Just off Highway 101 at the south end of Rockaway Beach, is the Old Growth Cedar Preserve Trail: a 45-acre old growth forest. The forest is home to a mammoth Western Red Cedar that is 49 feet in circumference, making it among one of Oregon’s largest trees.
“There’s an easy, universal-access trail that leads less than a mile through a boggy area of giant trees,” McNeilly said, “ending at a boardwalk platform that surrounds the colossal Western Red Cedar.”
On the horizon, there are also a few exciting accessibility projects for the city including a lease for Lake Lytle.
“Tillamook County still owns the lake, but we have control over it,” McNeilly said. “The city wants to add more tourist facilities that also benefit the residents that can be used by everybody.”
The city plans to pave the parking lot, install new ADA-compliant restrooms, and install a boat launch.
McNeilly also said the city is working to become one of the first coastal cities to identify short-term rentals that qualify as “highly accessible.”
“We would like to have housing for tourists where they can arrive to dwelling unit that is accessible and comfortable for them, and has an area where they can gather with friends and family,” he said. “It’s a tangible example of how important it is to make our city available to everybody to come have a good time. Part of that, is being able to expand who can come and enjoy our restaurants, shops and beaches. Our city manager and leadership are all supportive of things that enhance who can come, enjoy and walk the beach. It’s a part of who we are.”
Wheel the World
Efforts such as those in Rockaway Beach have helped the Tillamook Coast receive the status of Destination Verified from Wheel the World in 2023. The prestigious designation is from a groundbreaking travel-tech start-up dedicated to making travel accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. This achievement follows a comprehensive survey of 30 sites along the Tillamook Coast, highlighting the region’s commitment to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for all travelers. The status is a seal of approval for destinations that actively prioritize accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities can confidently plan seamless, worry-free experiences. Through this recognition, the Tillamook Coast joins a select group of global destinations that prioritize inclusive travel, further cementing the region’s reputation as a forward-thinking and welcoming destination.