There’s a new way to “play a round” in the great Oregon outdoors but surprise: you don’t need clubs, carts or golf balls to play this round of golf. And you just might need to yell “Fore” at the new and very first forest disc golf course set at Stub Stewart State Park.
The new 18-hole or “basket” course stretches across forty forested, hilly acres that presents a unique challenge to even the most experienced disc golfer. Park Ranger, Steve Kruger noted that wasn’t the original intent but changed with the vision of course designer Mike Phillips, an avid disc golfer. “Originally, we thought let’s put in 9 holes of an easy level,” said Kruger. “Something that’s basic but Mike insisted that if you want people to come and make the park a destination, we needed to do more. He was right!”.
The park includes a spacious campground plus rental cabins for folks who don’t own a trailer or tent.
The spectacular views are a fine compliment to a state park that’s an easy drive – less than thirty miles – west of Portland. Phillips credits the all-volunteer effort from metro area golfers who belong to Stumptown Disc Golf – a club that helped build the course.
“This is a technical mountain style-trail based course,” said Kruger. “I tell folks to play the trail, not the basket and play conservative.”
“Disc golf is a sport for all generations,” added Phillips. “You don’t have to be in perfect physical health to do it, doesn’t require a lot of money and it’s anyone for the cost of buying a disc.”
There is no fee to play a round of disc golf at Stub Stewart or any of the other Oregon State Parks that offer courses but you will need to pay a daily parking permit.
Phillips added that for little more than $20 you purchase three discs, (he recommends Next Adventure) that include a driver, a mid range and putter discs.
And while you’re exploring the Oregon outdoors this summer, be sure to check out the Oregon Outdoor Seekers program that helps kids discover the outdoors.
Amanda Rich, Executive Director of the Oregon Recreation and Park Department says the program aims to inspire kids to discover the outdoors and to “instill in them a lifelong love of being outdoors and being active.” Once a child completes the Passport’s activity, he or she has an adult sign off on it and when all ten activities have been completed, mail in the Passport and receive an Outdoor Seeker’s Award.
