Unique Oregon High Desert with Aboriginal connection and Wild West traditions

Oregon high desert tourism – unique with Aboriginal connection

Called a high desert because of its elevation, much of central Oregon is at elevations of 4,000 meters or more. The term high desert is used to distinguish it from the low deserts of southern California, such as Palm Spring, which is only 150 meters high.

Bend in the heart of the Oregon desert is the traditional territory of the Northern Paiute, Wasco and Warm Springs Aboriginal tribes. This land stretches from the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the craggy cliffs of the Deschutes River in central Oregon.

Indigenous Union of Warm Springs Tribes at a celebration. (Photo: usda.gov)

In the past, all three of these tribes lived along the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. They speak different languages ​​and have their own customs. The three tribes later formed The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which now live and manage the Warm Springs Aboriginal Preserve in Oregon.

Tours to Warm Springs Aboriginal Reserve can help connect visitors with the sacred sites and resources of the area. It also gives visitors the opportunity to learn how Aboriginal tribes established their customs, beliefs and cultural heritage in their traditional lands.

Tourists watch a performance by a group of Aboriginal dancers from the Union of Warm Springs Tribes at the village of Kah-Nee-Ta in Warm Springs. (Photo: Emily Cureton/OPB)

The best way to explore the unique landscape here is on foot. Take a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, for example, through Warm Springs. Warm Springs is one of the northernmost communities in central Oregon, located on the Warm Springs Aboriginal Preserve, in Jefferson County.

Staying with this community, visitors will gain a fascinating insight into the tribe’s history, traditions and close connection with the surrounding Deschutes River.

Aboriginal people continue to use traditional fishing rigs, nets and traps to catch salmon. (Photo: Steve Heinrichs/Travel Central Oregon)

There are also 2 Oregon Scenic Bikeway routes in Maupin. In Madras, there is the Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway, with views of the Cascade Mountains and Billy Chinook Lake.

Another very attractive experience for visitors is to participate in fishing using traditional Aboriginal salmon traps, at their sacred fishing ground, Sherars Falls located in the Tygh valley. This is the last waterfall next to the Deschutes River, before the river joins the Columbia River.

Oregon high desert tourism – the direction of modern Wild West experience

A tour takes tourists to the town of Sisters, Oregon. (Photo: wanderlusttours)

Also from Bend, tourists can radiate in all directions to explore and experience the modern-day Wild West.

For example, visit the town of Sisters – which brings modern Western charm in the form of facades of buildings that are still bold with nostalgia as well as the way of life of the local residents. Visit Sisters Coffee House, visitors try to drink caffeine hit (Espresso coffee with hot water), said to be the drink used by American soldiers during World War 2.

Hiking (hiking) along the Pacific Crest Trail is an exciting experience that feels powerful and rewarding for visitors. (Photo: cleverhiker)

For a taste of contemporary desert life, visitors can also head northeast of Bend to Redmond – which has been dubbed the “rising star” in the high desert of Oregon. The most popular attraction in Redmond is the new Soul Community and Planet hotel, with a unique desert-style rooftop bar that is very impressive.

The joy of tourists after the tour to experience and explore the high desert of Oregon. (Photo: cleverhiker)

If you head directly east from Bend, you will reach Prineville – home to the first homes and settlements in central Oregon. Around that, the genuine Wild West cow-herding culture not only still exists, but also thrives…