About Amanda, the Handicap Hiker

An image of a person on a bridget looking out at the water with trees and mountains in the background.
I’m a married mama of 2 teen boys that was born and raised in Oregon. I may be biased but I think Oregon is the best and most beautiful state to live in! In my 30+ years exploring Oregon I’ve seen over 100 different waterfalls, about half of those with my hubby who I’ve been with almost 10 years.
That all being said, I still have probably only seen HALF of what this great state has to offer. I decided to start this blog to not only chronicle all my explorations but to help others see that if I can do it… so can you! And, I’m ALWAYS being asked for hiking recommendations so I decided to have a one stop shop for all my suggestions.
An image of two legs with one leg in a brace.
In 2010 I fell while hiking and broke my foot, which triggered a dormant autoimmune disease that I was born with. I went from being able to hike 14 miles a day to being stuck in bed for 6 months and unable to walk.
I struggled to get my disease under control for quite a while. The steroids for pain/swelling and lack of movement caused me to gain weight, which has made finding adventures tailored to my abilities harder, but not impossible.
Some days have been better than others. I’ve always tried to force myself to stay active and spend time in nature, when not bedridden. Sometimes that meant pushing a walker, wearing a walking boot, or even bounding on crutches while in a cast.
An image of a person smiling on a boat on the ocean.
Lately my disease is in semi-remission thanks to a biologic medication, but I always know that at any moment that could change and I could end up in a wheelchair.
Even with it “under control,” I now have permanent pain and regularly get flares that impact my mobility.
These factors not only spur me to push myself to do what I can while I can, but also to plan for the future if I do have to start adventuring on wheels!