The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California: Outdoor Adventures Accessible by Car, Wheelchair, and on Foot is a trailblazing guide that removes one of the barriers to access in the outdoors by providing detailed trail information written by a disabled person, for disabled people. The book features over 40 scenic drives and viewpoints, verified wheelchair accessible trails, and foot trails for disabled hikers. The trail guides provide a step-by-step or roll-by-roll description of what you will encounter on the trail, including obstacles like roots and rocks, steep sections, and places to rest. Public transit and driving directions, detailed maps, and hundreds of photos are also featured. The book covers the northern region of California, from Monterey to the Oregon state line, and offers options that meet a variety of accessibility needs to ensure there is something for everyone.
 
This guide includes:
 
Drive-up Adventures: Places that can be reached via car or accessible transportation that offer sweeping views or beautiful surroundings without having to go out on trail. Where trails that meet the guidelines are also available, they are also referenced and a trail guide provided.
Wheelchair-Accessible Trails: Descriptions of verified wheelchair accessible trails. Trails are reviewed for adherence to accessibility guidelines and inaccessible features are noted (this is a fairly common occurrence). Descriptions of trail surface, grade, and detailed directions are also be provided. Wheelchair users need more information than simply listing whether a trail is "wheelchair accessible" or not and this guide provides that detail. It also expands the definition of wheelchair accessibility to include wheelchair hikeable trails.
Hiking Trails: Foot trails for disabled hikers are included to suit a wide variety of accessibility needs. Trails are rated according to the Spoon Rating, a system created by Syren Nagakyrie. There is a mix of trails located in cities, developed recreations areas, and backcountry or wilderness areas.
 
 
About the Author
Syren Nagakyrie (they/them) is the founder of Disabled Hikers, an organization by disabled people for disabled people. Syren writes trail guides, leads group hikes, and offers presentations throughout the Pacific Northwest and farther afield. Syren has consulted with many parks and organizations to improve access and inclusion for disabled people. They were selected as a Rooted in Rights Storyteller for 2019, a competitive program sponsored by Rooted in Rights and Disability Rights Washington. Syren is a lifelong social activist and advocate. As a freelance writer, Syren has been published in multiple anthologies, magazines, and blogs. They developed a love for nature in childhood but did not start exploring outdoor recreation until their mid-twenties; they faced exclusion and lack of accessibility in outdoor spaces, but Syren could not be held back from enjoying the wonders of nature. Through years of trial and error, Syren discovered what makes the outdoors accessible for them, and believes strongly in the importance of connection to place as an antidote to the isolation so many disabled people experience. They live in Forks, Washington.