A Wheelchair-Accessible Shasta Lake Inn
Nestled among the pines in Shasta Trinity National Forest, The Inn at Shasta Lake (www.theinnatshastalake.com) offers a welcome — and wheelchair-accessible — respite from the trappings of city life. Granted, you won’t go without creature comforts at this comfortable mountain lodge; however this tranquil piece of paradise also offers the perfect place to unwind, decompress and just enjoy the simplicity of Mother Nature. And since it’s just a stone’s throw from Interstate 5, about 16 miles north of Redding, it makes a great home base for exploring some of Northern California’s natural sites.
Accessible parking is located at the far end of the parking lot, in front of the accessible Black Tail Deer room. From there, a level sidewalk leads around the Nuthatch room and provides barrier-free access to the main building back deck. Although there’s a three-inch step up to the back door from the deck, check-in formalities can certainly be completed at one of the tables on the deck. It’s also worth noting that there are two steps at the front door, but there is an innkeeper call box at the bottom of the steps. Although this isn’t a very inclusive introduction to the property, it’s certainly not indicative of the access found in other areas of this 11-room inn.
Black Tail Deer Room
The accessible Black Tail Deer Room is located in a four-plex near the main lodge, and because of the surrounding trees and bushes it affords a greater degree of privacy than the suites in the main lodge building. There’s level access to the front porch from the accessible parking place, and barrier-free access inside via a threshold ramp. This spacious suite, which can sleep three, features wide pocket doors, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling.
The living area is furnished with an 11-inch high sleeper sofa, an easy chair and a small dining table with two chairs. There is a small wet bar with a few kitchen cabinets, a microwave and a mini refrigerator in the adjacent kitchenette nook; and although wine glasses, a wine opener and a cheese board are provided, there are no other plates or glasses in the cabinets. That said, the innkeeper was happy to loan us some plates and forks, so we could enjoy our takeout dinner in our suite. Other features of the suite include a gas fireplace, a television that’s neatly tucked away in a cabinet, and a coffee maker.
The bedroom is furnished with a 29-inch high open-frame queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two bedside tables and a chest of drawers.
The oversized bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and is outfitted with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead, as well as an overhead rainfall showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there’s also a roll-under sink in the well equipped bathroom.
One of the best features of the Black Tail Deer room is that it’s light and airy, due to the multiple windows and the surrounding forest. And once you climb into bed, it’s almost like sleeping outside. Additionally, the suite has a private front porch with two chairs and a small table, and plenty of room for a wheelchair. There’s also good access to most areas of the public garden space, located in back of the Black Tail Deer room.
Breakfast
Breakfast, which is included in the room rate, can be served on the back deck of the main lodge or delivered to your room. It typically features muffins or a pastry to start, and is followed by a fruit plate, or granola with yogurt. Guests have a choice of sweet or savory hot entrees such as fresh blueberry pancakes or scrambled eggs with onions and pesto. It’s certainly very tasty, but not over indulgent. As an added treat, if you dine on the back deck you can enjoy the antics of the resident Steller’s Jays.
The down side to this property is that internet access and cell phone reception can be spotty because of the remote location. On the other hand, some folks would consider that a plus, as it allows guests to unplug and enjoy the beauty of the forest in real time.
