Washington
Learn Pickleball: Born in the Pacific Northwest!
Program No. 24971RJ
Practice new pickleball skills, improve your game and make new friends in a state-of-the-art facility in the Pacific Northwest — where pickleball was born!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
At a Glance
Did you know pickleball was invented near Seattle, Washington? Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, come to where it all started and enjoy quality instruction and a progressive curriculum in technique and strategy. Play in the new, state-of-the-art Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion, a covered outdoor, 10-court facility on the Skagit Valley College campus. When you’re not practicing your serve or backhand, enjoy exploring the beauty of region through scenic, easy coastal hikes and exploring La Conner, a former artist colony and vibrant, walkable waterside town. Refuel with locally inspired meals that capture the flavors of the Skagit Valley agricultural region.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Several hours of pickleball daily. Recommended for players at 2.5 and above. Please consult the USA Pickleball Skill Rating Definitions.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Immerse yourself in a cutting-edge pickleball curriculum, building technique and strategy skills while playing against other Road Scholars.
- Enjoy the iconic coastal scenery at Deception Pass Park, and explore the Kukutali Preserve, a little known gem off the beaten path in the Washington State Parks system in partnership with the local Swinomish Tribe.
- Explore two fabulous museums in the artsy waterfront town of La Conner — the Museum of Northwest Art and the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum.
General Notes
Please consult the USA Pickleball Skill Rating Definitions: Recommended for players at 2.5 and above. https://usapickleball.org/tournaments/tournament-player-ratings/player-skill-rating-definitions/
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Learn Pickleball: Born in the Pacific Northwest!
Program Number: 24971
A Field Guide to Coastal Flowers of the Pacific Northwest
With gorgeous full-colour photos arranged in an easy-to-use colour coded chart for quick identification, the pocket-sized format is perfect for taking along on walks and hikes through both the Pacific Northwest countryside as well as the urban wilds of West Coast cities. Supplying English and Latin names, the distribution range of each species and average plant height and flower size, Phillipa Hudson shares her knowledge of coast flora gained through over 30 years as an active amateur botanist.
Steamboat Town: Early History of the Town of la Conner, Washington
A recount of the settlement of La Conner, as told by resident researcher Thomas Robinson.
Pickleball: Tips, Lessons, Strategies, & Myths: From a Certified Pickleball Professional & U.S. Open Gold Medal Winner
Learn pickleball tips, lessons, strategies, & myths from a certified Pickleball professional & U.S. Open Gold Medal winner, John Callahan.
Pickleball Strategy Book: Improve Your Pickleball Game and Dominate Your Opponent by Mastering Advance Winning Strategies, Ball Control, and Stroke ... Guide (Mastering the Game of Pickleball)
Learn how to improve your Pickleball strategy and overall game play.
North Puget Sound: Afoot and Afloat
An insiders guide to the North Puget Sound region of Washington State.
Meals
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- May 27, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
- Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
1 night
Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
LaConner
Located in charming La Conner, WA, this quaint Inn lined with cedar shake siding the warmth and friendliness that could only come from the people of La Conner. The Inn features spacious rooms, each with gas fireplace; flat screen TV, mini refrigerator , complimentary WIFI and private bath. The property is less than 1/2 block from restaurants, shops, antique stores, and the Swinomish Channel. Facility amenities include 100% smoke-free property; complimentary parking during stay; and newspapers available at the front desk.
1 night
Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
LaConner
Located in charming La Conner, WA, this quaint Inn lined with cedar shake siding the warmth and friendliness that could only come from the people of La Conner. The Inn features spacious rooms, each with gas fireplace; flat screen TV, mini refrigerator , complimentary WIFI and private bath. The property is less than 1/2 block from restaurants, shops, antique stores, and the Swinomish Channel. Facility amenities include 100% smoke-free property; complimentary parking during stay; and newspapers available at the front desk.
1 night
Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
LaConner
Located in charming La Conner, WA, this quaint Inn lined with cedar shake siding the warmth and friendliness that could only come from the people of La Conner. The Inn features spacious rooms, each with gas fireplace; flat screen TV, mini refrigerator , complimentary WIFI and private bath. The property is less than 1/2 block from restaurants, shops, antique stores, and the Swinomish Channel. Facility amenities include 100% smoke-free property; complimentary parking during stay; and newspapers available at the front desk.
1 night
Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
LaConner
Located in charming La Conner, WA, this quaint Inn lined with cedar shake siding the warmth and friendliness that could only come from the people of La Conner. The Inn features spacious rooms, each with gas fireplace; flat screen TV, mini refrigerator , complimentary WIFI and private bath. The property is less than 1/2 block from restaurants, shops, antique stores, and the Swinomish Channel. Facility amenities include 100% smoke-free property; complimentary parking during stay; and newspapers available at the front desk.
1 night
Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
LaConner
Located in charming La Conner, WA, this quaint Inn lined with cedar shake siding the warmth and friendliness that could only come from the people of La Conner. The Inn features spacious rooms, each with gas fireplace; flat screen TV, mini refrigerator , complimentary WIFI and private bath. The property is less than 1/2 block from restaurants, shops, antique stores, and the Swinomish Channel. Facility amenities include 100% smoke-free property; complimentary parking during stay; and newspapers available at the front desk.
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