FROM THE USAPA
is called the Willamette Valley , known for blending urban life with the beautiful outdoor landscape . Combine that with being the home to Oregon ’ s wine country and you ’ ve got another wonderful destination to spend a few days wining , dining and playing great pickleball .
Eugene is known as TrackTown USA because of its tight relationship with the University of Oregon and its nationally ranked track and field program . No doubt , Hayward Field has hosted its fair share of the most prominent track meets this year including the NCAA Track & Field Championships , U . S . Olympic Track & Field Trials and the annual Prefontaine Classic – the nation ’ s premier track & field meet .
If you ’ re looking for a good game of pickleball , you may find yourself on the court with a National Champion , or 81-year-old Buzz Summers . Summers was a tennis coach at the University of Oregon for 30 years and loves pickleball ; you ’ d better come ready to run or he ’ ll beat you every time . For the best opportunities , visit the “ Places to Play ” page on USAPA . org
Other Things to Do in Eugene
• Watch a Eugene Emeralds Game : A Class-A Short Season minor league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs ( season : June-September ).
• Hang out at the University of Oregon : As a member of the PAC-12 , the Ducks compete in a range of sports . The university is located along the Willamette River just east of downtown . There are events happening all the time on campus ( during the school year ). If anything , the campus is a wonderful place to take a late evening walk .
• Drive out to Oregon State University : Another member of the PAC-12 , the OSU Beaver campus is located in Corvalis , just north and within striking distance of Eugene . If you ’ re staying in the area , you should see what ’ s happening on the OSU campus ; you might be able to catch a late-night baseball game or music performance at the world-renowned LaSells Stewart Center .
EXPLORING NORTHWEST OREGON
From the USAPA ’ s perspective in breaking up the districts in Oregon , the hub of activity in the northwest is centered in the Portland area . As you leave Eugene , head north on Interstate-5 along the Willamette Valley . If you look at the interactive map on the USAPA ’ s “ Places to Play ” page , there are plenty of places to stop for a game between Eugene and Portland . Straight through , barring any traffic issues ( which are plenty ), it should take you about two hours to get to your destination .
In the Portland area alone , there are more than 15 places to play pickleball – on both indoor and outdoor courts . Tom Widden is the USAPA District Ambassador in Northwest Oregon ; he would be a great resource for anyone traveling on business , or pleasure , and wanting to get a few games in during their visit .
BEST HIDDEN GEMS IN PORTLAND
• There Be Monsters : According to locals , the fish and chips are amazing . You have to go just to verify if they ’ re as good as the ones from your favorite spot .
• Rocky Butte Park : You ’ re not going to get a better view than on this hilltop just east of town .
• Khao San : This little Thai place is known for good cocktails , excellent food , and amazing ginger pale ale . It has 4.5 stars on Yelp and is affordable for most customers .
• Lovejoy Fountain Park : Hidden away just east of Portland State University , the tranquility you ’ ll find here is unmatched . A perfect place to just sit , relax and listen to the rushing water of the fountain .
• Toast : Considered one of Portland ’ s best-kept breakfast secrets . There ’ s nothing like sitting down for a nice big breakfast after a few epic rallies on the pickleball court .
After visiting Portland , you might consider heading north and visiting Washington . If you have extra time , you may want to head north on Highway 30 to 101 and then travel south along the Oregon coastline . There are a few great places to play pickleball , such as in Warrenton , Seaside , Depoe Bay , and Newport . There are also amazing places to hang out for a few days , including Cannon Beach , home of Haystack Rock .
If you ’ ve never visited the West Coast , you will be amazed by the beauty that lies within Oregon ’ s boundaries — from Hells Canyon to the east , Cannon Beach to the west , and the Willamette Valley in the north . It has quickly become one of the nation ’ s top pickleball hubs , whether anyone outside of Oregon knows it or not . In regard to pickleball and its natural treasures , it is easily one of the Pacific Northwest ’ s best-kept secrets . •
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