Quick FactsOverview
About Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs
Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs, Oregon is a paid, full-service geothermal resort owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, located at 6823 Highway 8 on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Jefferson County, central Oregon. The resort reopened in July 2024 after a six-year closure and draws mineral-rich water from a source at 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit into multiple pool types: shared leisure pools at 98 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, a hot therapy pool up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, a lazy river at approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit, private soaking tubs with untreated mineral water, and a cold plunge.
The Confederated Tribes purchased the site in 1961. The current reopened Village phase includes a 30-room hotel, teepees sleeping 4 to 10 people, an RV park, the Chinook Restaurant and Appaloosa Bar, a spa, sports courts, mini golf, and a river tubing adventure. The surrounding high desert at 1,400 feet elevation offers dark skies and canyon views.
Day passes are available for pool access during set hours. Overnight guests receive broader facility access. The resort is the most culturally significant hot springs near Bend accessible to the general public and the only full-service tribal resort of this scale in central Oregon.
Location & Access
Getting to Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs
Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs is reached from Bend by driving north on US-97 for approximately 57 miles to Warm Springs, then continuing on Highway 8 east for about 11 miles to the resort at 6823 Highway 8, Warm Springs, OR 97761. The total drive from Bend takes approximately 70 minutes. From Portland, take US-26 east for approximately 100 miles to Warm Springs, then Highway 8 to the resort, a total drive of about 2 hours.
The access road from US-97 follows Highway 8 through the Warm Springs Reservation in high desert canyon terrain. The road is paved throughout and suitable for all vehicle types. Cell service can be limited on Highway 8 in places, so downloading directions before the final approach is useful. For those looking for hot springs near Bend, Kah-Nee-Ta is the closest full-service resort with multiple pools and overnight accommodations in central Oregon.
Day passes and overnight reservations are made through kahneeta.com or by calling 541-553-1112. The pools operate year-round with some seasonal scheduling variations. Checking the current schedule and purchasing day passes in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend visits when capacity can be limited. The resort phone number is 541-553-1112.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Is Suitable For
Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs suits families, couples, and groups seeking a full-service resort experience with cultural depth in a dramatic high desert setting. The range of pool temperatures from 85 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, including a lazy river and cold plunge, gives visitors of different ages and preferences multiple soaking options. The resort is family friendly, with the lazy river and leisure pools well suited to children. Swimwear is required in all shared pool areas.
Overnight guests can choose between hotel rooms, teepees, and RV sites, all with access to the pools and resort amenities. The teepee experience is a distinctive cultural feature of the property and provides an authentic connection to Warm Springs heritage. For those seeking hot springs near Bend with a structured resort experience that includes dining, activities, and accommodation, Kah-Nee-Ta is the primary destination in the region.
The resort has ADA-accessible pool options. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm current accessible facilities with the resort before booking. Pets are not permitted. Alcohol is available at the restaurant and bar but is prohibited in the pool areas. Day-use visitors should note that the pool pass afternoon window runs 4 pm to 7 pm on some schedules, so confirming current access hours before visiting is important to avoid a wasted drive to this remote location.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs
Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, with managed pools at consistent temperatures and trained staff during operating hours. The shared pools are lightly chlorinated. Private soaking tubs use untreated mineral water and are drained and cleaned after each guest. Visitors should test private tub temperature before entering, as the source runs at 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and adjustments may be needed. The therapy pool at up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit is among the hottest shared options and should be used in shorter sessions.
The cold plunge at 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit creates a significant temperature contrast. Moving between very hot and very cold water should be done gradually and avoided by anyone with cardiovascular conditions. Guests with relevant health conditions should consult a physician before using thermal or cold facilities.
The resort is located in the Warm Springs Reservation canyon approximately 70 minutes from Bend and 2 hours from Portland. The nearest full hospital services are in Bend or The Dalles. Cell service can be limited on the Highway 8 approach. Highway 8 through the canyon can be affected by ice in winter.
Swimwear is required in all shared pool areas. No outside food or beverages are permitted in the pool areas. Alcohol is prohibited in the pools. Lifeguards are not on duty during the 9 to 11 am and 7 to 9 pm time windows, so visiting with children during staffed hours is advisable. Confirming current lifeguard schedules and pool rules at kahneeta.com before visiting is recommended.
