Indigenous peoples have nurtured, revered, and prospered on beautiful and abundant landscapes of Oregon for thousands of years. They have persisted in maintaining their lively traditions despite facing challenges like as rocky beaches, twisting rivers and estuaries, and parched high desert plains. By participating in regional rodeos and powwows, visiting cultural landmarks, and patronizing tribe-owned businesses, visitors may learn about, appreciate, and honor these distinctive cultures. Learn about these cultures and how to experience them in different parts of the state.
Coast of Oregon
The Coquille Indian Tribe lived in and around Coos Bay in the headwaters of the Coquille River system. This is an area rich in shellfish, salmon, and foraging-friendly vegetation. Discover local myths as you see the rock face silhouette and listen for the maiden’s call at the Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint. All while admiring the splendor of Bullards Beach State Park. Grey whales may be spotted at the cove close to Battle Rock Park. Stay at the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, operated by Coquille, which offers lovely bay-view rooms, a waterfront RV park, and on-site entertainment.
The most diversified confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the USA is the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians near Lincoln City. At least ten separate base languages were spoken by their ancestors, who lived in settlements from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. View displays of historical papers and relics from ancient tribal groups at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. Play on the mountainside-cut Chinook Winds Golf Course, which is surrounded by gorgeous wetlands. Stay at the beachfront Chinook Winds Casino Resort all year long, whether you want to curl up in front of the fireplace in your hotel or spend time on the beach right outside your door. A year-round pool and spa are available at the close-by Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort, which provides roomy sites with hookups.
Eastern Oregon
For more than 10,000 years, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Pendleton. They fished, hunted, and collected food from the lowlands along the river to the heights in the Blue Mountains. Explore artwork and displays at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute that highlight the life and history of local tribes. Attend a performance, open house, or art class at Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, which offers locals chances to grow as artists. View a diverse range of animals and flora at McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Your headquarters for housing and entertainment, Wildhorse Resort & Casino features cozy suites in addition to indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and an arcade.
Small, peaceful clans known as the Burns Paiute Tribe in Southeast Oregon wandered widely in Eastern Oregon. They were hunters and gatherers who subsisted on wild animals as well as seeds, bulbs, plant fibers, berries, and roots. Visit Oard’s Gallery to purchase genuine Native American jewelry and artwork, or peruse the arts and crafts booths during the yearly Burns Paiute Reservation Day Powwow. Visit magnificent sights after a gorgeous panorama on a hike through the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness section of the Malheur National Forest, and then spend the night in a tent or cabin inside the forest under the stars.
Oregon’s south
The hunter-gatherer Klamath Tribes of Klamath Falls inhabited what is now Crater Lake National Park. As well as the east slopes of the Cascade Mountains and the nearby desert regions beginning at the headwaters of the Deschutes River. Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, was created by the fall of an ancient volcano. It is surrounded by rocky terrain with steep slopes and lush forests perfect for trekking or cross-country skiing. Visit Collier Memorial State Park’s logging museum, pioneer village, and interpretive signs for a look back in time. Over 100,000 Native American items, including arrowheads, obsidian knives, tools, clothing, and basketry, are on display in the Favell Museum.
The large territory surrounding the Umpqua watershed was claimed for trading, hunting, and gathering by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians (Nahankhuotana) at Roseburg. Along with huckleberries and other foraged plants, the staples of the diet included deer, elk, salmon, and steelhead. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the waterfall at South Umpqua Falls in the Umpqua National Forest or hike the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail for stunning views of the Rogue basin and wildflowers.
Central Oregon
Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute are the three primary tribes that make up the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Before white settlers came in the 1500s, these tribes coexisted peacefully for hundreds of years. Through interactive, revolving exhibits from one of the biggest and most comprehensive collections owned by any Indigenous American tribe, tribal culture is brought to life at The Museum at Warm Springs. Cast your line with Littleleaf Guide Service. This is an indigenous-owned company that organizes exclusive fishing outings on the Lower Deschutes River. A historic building is being renovated for the upcoming Warm Springs Commissary. It will include Indigenous-owned businesses, food trucks, and an outdoor market. Awaken to the sound of tribe members fishing from customary wooden scaffolds after drifting off to sleep to the roar of the falls.
Willamette Valley
The Chasta, Rogue River, Umpqua, Molalla, and Kalapuya comprise the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. These tribes are the last of the original 29 bands that arrived in the region in the late 1800s. Discover the strikingly constructed Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center. It is covered in wood and contains historical artifacts and artwork like murals and traditional tribal cedar carvings. Wander through the Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area, where one of the Northwest’s best-preserved forts is located. The Lodge at Spirit Mountain Casino has a range of lodging options for every price range. As well as on-site food and entertainment. With access to hiking trails, the creekside camping areas at Big Buck Campground are ideal for a rustic getaway.