Cape Horn hike offered to the visually impaired

Clark County – Blind and visually impaired people are invited to enjoy the great outdoors and the Columbia River Gorge during a spring season kickoff hike Saturday. Their families, friends and supporters are welcome, too. Light snacks and water will be provided, but not lunch.

All participants must preregister via http://www.nwaba.org or 360-448-7254. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A four-mile, estimated four-hour, round-trip hike to Cape Horn will start at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at the Cape Horn Trailhead near Salmon Falls Road, just off state Highway 14 in Skamania County. Participants can meet there, or catch a ride that will depart at 9 a.m. from the Oregon Commission for the Blind, 535 S.E. 12th Ave., Portland.

The event sponsor is the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, a homegrown Vancouver nonprofit agency that strives to connect all sight-impaired people with exercise and athletic opportunities.

“Our spring programs provide ongoing opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather,” executive director and founder Billy Henry said. “This will be the first of many hikes this season, and we are excited to see how many individuals will be impacted through our life-changing programs this spring and summer.”