Accessible Guided Adventures in Central Oregon
Has there ever been a partnership between two companies that are as like-minded and made for each other as AdvenChair and Wanderlust Tours? Thanks to a grant from Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund, AdvenChair, the leader in all-terrain wheelchairs teamed up with Wanderlust Tours, Central Oregon’s leader in naturalist-guided adventures, for a successful series of “AdvenTours” in 2024.
The AdvenChair enabled Wanderlust Tours to offer their unique brand of interpretive hikes and adventures to people of all ages with mobility challenges that would normally force them to stick to the pavement or be left at home. At the same time, Wanderlust gave AdvenChair’s frequent users and support teams a chance to experience some of Oregon’s most iconic natural places with greater depth, education, and appreciation.
“Thanks to our AdvenTours, we are now able to extend our mission of getting people out into the natural world, regardless of their age or ability,” said Courtney Braun, Co-owner of Wanderlust Tours. “[AdvenChairman] Geoff Babb and I were perfectly aligned with what we wanted to offer and our guides Jose and Jared were excited about the tours because they were very fulfilling and rewarding.”
Adventures begin where the pavement ends
In addition to the pre-arranged tours in 2024, Babb was able to make an AdvenChair available to Wanderlust for special custom tours on multiple occasions. AdvenTour guests ranged from a six-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome visiting Crater Lake National Park for the first time to a grandfather who got to explore Smith Rock State Park with more than three dozen family members.
“Having an experienced guide who is knowledgeable about a place like Crater Lake opens up a world of possibilities,” said Geoff Babb. “Rather than just offering a few photo ops at turnouts along the rim, Jared was prepared to take that family on virtually any trail in the Park, including to the shore of the lake for the boat ride or to soak their feet in the water.”
“And for a grandfather who instilled a love of the outdoors into his children and grandchildren to be able to participate in a family reunion at Smith Rock thanks to a custom guided AdvenTour, that’s a priceless memory!
It was a great first year and we can’t wait to do it all again, as well as explore new places in the New Year,” added Geoff.
Yes indeed, AdvenTours will be back and even better in 2025 with some familiar trips and several new ones. (Keep reading)
Get close to nature, even closer to friends and family
For Lincoln Foreman, a geologist and stroke survivor, the appeal of any AdvenTour is obvious. Not only does the AdvenChair enable him to access the trails of places like Smith Rock State Park where he can actually touch the volcanic tuff, it allows him to enjoy the experience with his wife Cathy and interact with other individuals who share his love for natural sciences, as well as to learn about local history, geology and culture from Wanderlust’s engaging guides.
“Being able to access nature beyond the pavement – actually way past the pavement – together is something we’ve never been able to do since Lincoln’s stroke 15 years ago,” said Cathy. “So having these opportunities is really important to both of us. On one of the hikes, we invited a former work colleague and very good friend to join us. That was exceptionally great for me to see them, two geologists, out in their element exploring the rocks and discussing the geology together.”
As Cathy and Lincoln both describe it, the companionship along with interesting, knowledgeable conversation during a hike enhances the experience to the level of “wonderful.”
According to Cathy: “After his last AdvenTour hike he said, ‘today was a GREAT day.’ We like good days for sure, but a GREAT day is pretty darn fantastic.”
AdvenChair and Wanderlust reconnect for 2025 AdvenTours
If you want to have a pretty darn fantastic great day, click on the image or summary below to sign up for one of our tours or scan the QR code to stay up to date on the latest AdvenTour info.
Or, why not dream up your own personal Central Oregon AdvenTour. Chances are, we can make it happen.