Two infrastructure milestones reached the Warm Springs Reservation in May, bringing expanded transportation access and energy savings to one of Oregon's most rural and historically underserved communities.
New Bus Route: Cascades East Transit Route 21
Cascades East Transit launched Route 21 on May 5, 2026 — a 50-mile route that cuts through the remote interior of the Warm Springs Reservation, providing scheduled bus service four days a week to the community of Simnasho and the newly re-opened Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort.
For many reservation residents, the new route represents the first reliable public transportation connection to the outside world. Simnasho, located in the northern reaches of the reservation, is one of the more isolated communities on Warm Springs lands — accessible primarily by car over miles of rural roads. For those without vehicles, getting to Madras, Warm Springs town, or medical appointments has long meant relying on family, friends, or expensive alternatives.
The route also supports the revival of Kah-Nee-Ta, the iconic hot springs resort that closed years ago and recently underwent a tribal-led renovation and reopening. Public transit access opens the resort to visitors who might otherwise not be able to reach it.
CET Route 21 operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Current schedules and stops are available at cascadeseattransit.com or by calling CET at (541) 385-8680.
Energy Efficiency: 40-Plus Projects Complete
Energy Trust of Oregon announced this month that it has completed more than 40 energy efficiency projects on the Warm Springs Reservation over the past two years, in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
The projects range from lighting upgrades and insulation improvements to heating and cooling system replacements in tribal facilities and homes. Energy Trust, a nonprofit organization funded by Oregon utility customers, provides technical assistance and financial incentives to help homes and businesses reduce energy use.
Tribal facilities and housing stock on the reservation are often older and less energy-efficient than comparable buildings elsewhere, making energy costs a significant burden for residents. The completed projects are expected to reduce energy costs and improve comfort for tribal members across dozens of locations.
Broader Context
Together, these projects reflect an ongoing, if gradual, effort to address the infrastructure gaps that have long characterized life on the Warm Springs Reservation. Jefferson County's largest tribal community — home to several thousand members of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes — has historically received less investment in public services than the county's more urban areas.
The new transit route and energy improvements are tangible steps forward, though advocates note that significant gaps remain in healthcare access, broadband connectivity, and housing quality on the reservation.