Resort at a Glance: Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa

Natural, mineral-rich hot springs that were once used by Native American spiritual leaders for healing dot the land around what is today Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa. Today, the land is a reservation for the Wasco, Paiute, and Warm Springs tribes, but they invite guests to come share and experience this relaxing atmosphere. The spring water—which reaches 92 degrees even in winter—now feeds into an outdoor pool with two water slides.

• Where you’ll stay: Decorated in earth tones to reflect the high-desert environment, each modern guest room looks out onto the surrounding valleys and Cascade mountains.
• Ward off boredom with outdoor activities such as mini golf and tennis.
• Perfect your swing on a championship golf course, which stays open year-round.
• Pamper yourself at hot-springs-centric Spa Wanapine.
• Start the day right: Select options include breakfast for two per day.

Warm Springs, Oregon: Kayaking and Mountain Hiking on Native American Reservation

Located less than two hours east of Portland is Warm Springs, a reservation for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs consisting of the Tenino, Wasco, and Paiute Native American tribes. For a more in-depth look at their culture, visit the Museum at Warm Springs, which Frommer’s calls a “fascinating, not-to-be-missed museum.” Here, you can listen to ceremonial songs, explore traditional Native American dwellings, learn about the rituals of a Wasco wedding, or try your hand at traditional hoop dancing.

The region is marked by high-desert lands thick with forests and interspersed with alpine lakes and deep canyons. The Cascade range mountains to the west help deflect bad weather, resulting in an abundance of sunny days. The typically pleasant weather makes for a perfect setting for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. From mid-July to mid-October, you can hike through Jefferson Park, which has several scenic trails under the shadow of Mount Jefferson, Oregon’s second-tallest mountain after Mount Hood.