FROM THE USAPA
OREGON ’ S PICKLEBALL TRAIL
The USAPA ’ s fastest growing state in the Pacific Northwest
BY KEVIN CURLEY
In the early 1800s , pioneers began their journey west from
Missouri along a 2,170-mile trail , a journey not made for the faint of heart . Their destination ? Oregon country and northern California . The trail helped nearly 200,000 people emigrate west , where promises of land – and gold – whet the appetite of many searching for new beginnings .
Nearly 175 years later , promises of gold yet again whet the appetites of eager travelers who recently made the long journey to central Oregon this past August for the USAPA Northwest Regional Big Country RV Bend Pickleball Tournament . The tournament , held at Pine Nursery Park , was an absolute hit and showcased the Northwest ’ s premier outdoor pickleball facility – a 16-court venue just a short 30-minute drive from Bend , Oregon – a place aptly referred to as the “ outdoor playground of the West .”
And while getting to Oregon has improved dramatically since the 1800s , it often remains overlooked as a destination for tourists . In my opinion , whether you ’ re an RV pickler or not , Oregon is the perfect destination for a summer trip .
If you ’ re driving , making your way to the Pacific Northwest can seem like a big ordeal . Depending on where you ’ re coming from , it ’ s easily a multi-day trip just to make your way there . And once there , a proper exploration of all the state has to offer could easily take another couple of weeks . But , it ’ s definitely worth the trip . For the purposes of this article , we suggest coming in from the east and traveling through eastern Oregon . Your first pickleball destination should be Bend , in the heart of the USAPA ’ s Central Oregon District .
absolutely beautiful parts of Oregon . It ’ s not surprising you might not have known that , considering the tourism website says , “ Visit Eastern Oregon : Just don ’ t tell everyone about us .”
From the Wallowa Mountain Range in the northeast to the lands of the original Oregon Trail pioneers in the south , if you are part of the RV crowd , there are many highways and byways to explore . Don ’ t shave off a day or two and miss out on some amazing landscapes .
When it comes to pickleball in the USAPA ’ s Pacific Northwest Region , which includes Washington , Idaho , Oregon , Alberta , and British Columbia , Oregon is showing incredible growth thanks to world-class facilities like the one at Pine Nursery Park in Bend . Not only is the USAPA Regional held at this facility , but also the annual Oregon Senior Games .
No doubt about it , the Bend Pickleball Club has been the driving force in growing pickleball in the Central District ... and throughout Oregon . Helping along the way in whatever capacity needed are A . J . and Irene Fraties , the USAPA ’ s District Ambassadors for Central Oregon ; both A . J . and Irene are current Board members of the club . Since 2011 , the club ’ s
EXPLORING THE CENTRAL REGION
The city of Bend is located just east of the Cascade Range along the Deschutes River , a wonderful spot for whitewater rafting from late spring to early fall . If you ’ re driving in from the east , let ’ s say from Boise , Idaho , then you ’ re at least a five to six-hour drive through one of the more remote – and yet
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