From Adaptive Trails to Cultural Tours Travel Oregon’s Competitive Grants Drive Inclusive Visitor Experiences

(IN SHORT) On June 23, 2025, Travel Oregon announced $6.2 million in grants for 65 projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across Oregon’s tourism offerings. The funding—distributed through the 2024–25 Competitive Grants Program—supports eligible applicants such as local governments, Tribes, and nonprofits. Projects will add adaptive trails, inclusive outdoor activities, and cultural heritage experiences, spanning all seven tourism regions from Central and Eastern Oregon to the Coast and Willamette Valley. Highlights include a glass teepee at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs, a new adaptive paddling initiative in Central Oregon, and multilingual accessibility upgrades at Lan Su Chinese Garden. Since launch, Travel Oregon’s grant programs have invested over $26 million; all 2024–25 projects are due by November 3, 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) Portland, OR, 2025-Jun-24 — /Travel PR News/ — The Oregon Tourism Commission, operating as Travel Oregon, has committed nearly $6.2 million to fund 65 visionary initiatives through its 2024–25 Competitive Grants Program. This landmark investment underscores the agency’s dedication to crafting extraordinary visitor experiences by expanding access and inclusivity for communities historically underserved or lacking resources.

Travel Oregon’s grants support eligible applicants—ranging from local governments and port districts to federally recognized Tribes and Oregon-registered nonprofits—in projects that enrich and promote the state’s tourism landscape. Awarded proposals span the gamut from adaptive outdoor trails and specialized recreation programs to immersive cultural heritage events.

“By channeling these transformational grants into projects like adaptive mountain biking routes and culturally resonant heritage tours, we’re reshaping what travel in Oregon can look like,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “These 65 initiatives are tearing down barriers and ensuring that every corner of our state welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds.”

The 2024–25 Competitive Grants Program centers on boosting access and inclusiveness—whether by addressing mobility challenges or highlighting the diversity of Oregon’s residents and guests. This year’s recipients reflect projects from each of Oregon’s seven tourism regions, forging a statewide network of accessible amenities and experiences:

Central Oregon

• Kah-Nee-Ta received $145,900 to install a signature glass teepee at the revamped Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Resorts of the Cascades.
• Oregon Adaptive Sports was awarded $60,000 to launch a world-class adaptive paddling program and expand its renowned adaptive mountain biking offerings around the Cascade Lakes region.

Eastern Oregon

• Pendleton Chamber of Commerce secured $136,500 for Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet, a multi-day October 2026 celebration blending Indigenous and Western fashion, design, and artistry.
• Joseph Branch Trail Consortium gained $120,000 to build a 1.08-mile ADA-compliant trail linking Wallowa to the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland, complete with signage and seating.

Mt. Hood/Gorge

• Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation received $150,000 to craft a long-term interpretive strategy for the Bonneville Dam Historic District, enhancing wayfinding and exhibits.
• National Forest Foundation was granted $125,000 to redesign the Fish Creek Day Use Area—lost in the 2020 Riverside Fire—with an accessible boat ramp, parking, and riverside path.

Oregon Coast

• David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems won $98,900 to deploy five all-terrain track chairs across Seaside, Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, and Coos Bay.
• City of Gold Beach obtained $75,000 to replace playground equipment at Collier H. Buffington Memorial Park with an ADA-compliant structure.

Portland Region

Lan Su Chinese Garden was awarded $100,000 for multilingual accessibility enhancements, removing cultural and language barriers for Spanish-speaking, AANHPI, and international visitors.

Oregon Walks gained $150,000 to pilot Walk Portland, a pedestrian wayfinding system featuring maps, signage, web resources, lighting, and public art.

Southern Oregon

• Lake County Chamber of Commerce received $149,957 to extend the Warner Canyon Adaptive Mountain Bike Network with Level 1 trails.
• Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce secured $20,000 to complete accessibility audits for 12 local businesses and earn Wheel the World destination verification.

Willamette Valley

• Salem Riverfront Carousel won $21,250 to install a wheelchair ramp and new entrance gate.
• Linn County Parks and Recreation Department was granted $150,000 for Clear Lake for All, funding ADA-accessible yurts and an adaptive kayak launch.

Multiple Regions

• Dirty Freehub received $60,000 to produce over 300 accessible gravel cycling ride guides.
• Oregon Remembrance Project earned $141,500 to pilot Sunshine Trips, overnight tours connecting Black visitors with historically segregated communities.

Since its inception, Travel Oregon has invested more than $26 million in hundreds of projects that enrich communities and broaden visitor opportunities. All 2024–25 grant projects must be completed by November 3, 2026. See the full list of awardees here.

About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission (Travel Oregon) is a semi-independent state agency committed to inspiring travel that uplifts communities, fosters equity, and honors Oregon’s unique ecosystems and cultures. With a mission to boost economic opportunity and quality of life, Travel Oregon supports the state’s $14.3 billion tourism industry, which employs over 121,000 Oregonians.

Media contact:

Allie Gardner
Industry Communications Manager
allieg@traveloregon.com

Julia Amato
Director of Communications
juliaa@traveloregon.com

SOURCE: Oregon Tourism Commission