Warm Springs Indian Reservation
Over the top of Mount Hood, through the trees and down the other side, where the land becomes flat and dry, lies Warm Springs. Home of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes, the Warm Springs Indian Reservation is inhabited by nearly 4,000 tribal members, most of whom live in or around the town of Warm Springs, Oregon. As opposed to driving straight through, those folks who wish to immerse themselves in the culture of Warm Springs can visit the Museum at Warm Springs or attend one of the many cultural events held throughout the year. The Museum’s permanent collection of treasured artifacts, historic photographs, murals, graphics and rare documents is a dynamic, comprehensive chronicle of Tribal history. Interactive, multimedia exhibits that include a Wasco wedding, song chamber and traditional Hoop Dance offer guests a living experience of life on the Reservation. The changing exhibition gallery is a flexible venue for the ongoing exploration of every aspect of the Native American experience. For those looking for fresh air, warm sun and cool nights, outdoor activities abound at Warm Springs. Whether you enjoy the exhilaration of biking and rafting, or the quietude of hiking and fishing, they have it all. A popular family destination on the reservation is Kah-Nee-Ta Resort. Complete with 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, a Casino and a top-notch mineral water spa, Spa Wanapine. Accommodations at Kah-Nee-Ta vary from rooms at the Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge or the Kah-Nee-Ta Village, RV Park or teepee camping. Several years ago some relatives from Germany came to Oregon to visit. This was a young family with kids as we were. We rented a Tee Pee at the resort and 10 of us spent the night in sleeping bags around a campfire. The kids thought this was great. In the evening there are often authentic native rituals/dances performed by the tribesman similar to the luaus in Hawaii. Our German cousins wanted first and foremost to see this special place in “the Wild West” that they were introduced to at home watching American movies. It was a special day for the youngsters. FYI, we finished the trip by driving around Mt. Hood to Hood River to watch the windsurfers and kite boarders. http://www.warmsprings.com |
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