Great local fishing spots for those with limited mobility

Great local fishing spots for those with limited mobility

(Michael Radice/KSL-TV)


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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Everyone enjoys the peace and quiet the backcountry has to offer and Utah has several areas that are easy to access by car for those with limited physical mobility.

Within a couple of hours, there are numerous lakes and streams along the north slope of the Uintas and within the Wasatch Mountain Range for viewing wildlife and the changing colors of fall. For the outdoor enthusiast who may have limited physical mobility, these vehicle-accessible locations open up the backcountry experience in a way that makes it easier for everyone to enjoy.

On the north slope of the Uinta Mountain Range sits Marsh Lake, Meeks Cabin Campground and many other lakes and trails that offer breathtaking vistas, wonderful wildlife watching and great fishing. It gives the chance to experience and enjoy the solitude and peace of the high-elevation backcountry that so many backpackers do, but you can reach it by car or truck instead.

Marsh Lake sits at 9,300 feet in elevation and is easy to get to by vehicle. It is located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Evanston, Wyoming. Follow the signs and take a graded dirt road for 23 miles out of Mountain View, Wyoming. There is a dump-station available for RVs down the road from the East Marsh Lake Campground entrance.

Fishing from the shoreline is fabulous at Marsh Lake and there are ample spots to catch rainbow trout. Many of the smaller out-of-the-way lakes in the Uintas offer opportunities for float tubes and pontoon boats and thanks to a well-maintained boat ramp and dock, it's also possible to launch a canoe or kayak.

Numbers of people with disabilities according to 2010 census:
  • In 2010, 54 million people had a disability that significantly limited one or more major life activities.
  • One in five people in the U.S. were limited in walking, seeing, hearing, breathing or brain function.
  • Within that group, 7 percent used wheelchairs
  • 2.1 percent used crutches, canes, walkers or other assistive devices.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, sandhill cranes and mountain song birds so be sure to bring binoculars, a long lens for your camera or a spotting scope.

Another lake to consider visiting if you have physical limitations is Silver Lake. It lies within Brighton Ski Resort and has a well-maintained ramp system that reaches almost completely around the lake. There are also fishing access platforms. Sturdy walkways and a maintained graded path mean you could circumnavigate the lake in a wheelchair.

A camera is a must when visiting scenic Silver Lake. Moose typically stroll through the area nearly everyday and visitors will often see mallard ducks on the lake.

Other backcountry spots currently able to accommodate those with disabilities include Payson Lakes and Maple Lake located on the Mount Nebo Loop and Tibble Fork in American Fork Canyon. They are both easy to access by vehicle and offer beautiful views.

According to the National Forest Service website, the number of outdoor enthusiasts who benefit from accessible facilities is growing rapidly. Results from the 2010 census show that 54 million people had a disability that significantly limited one or more major life activities. That means that nearly one in five people in the U.S. were limited in walking, seeing, hearing, breathing or brain function.

Within that group, 7 percent used wheelchairs and 2.1 percent used crutches, canes, walkers or other assistive devices. Obviously, hiking a rugged, boulder-strewn trail would not be possible for these people, but a paved trail, sturdy walkways and easy access boat ramps give them more outdoors opportunities.

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Michael Radice

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