Guide to Oregon’s Native American Gambling Casinos
A Travel Guide to Three Oregon Coast Sovereign Tribal Gaming Resorts
Chinook Winds Casino and Resort
Begin at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort in Lincoln City where you will find 227 rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are 61 cozy fireplace suites and 20 two bedroom suites. An indoor swimming pool and two wonderfully romantic restaurants and lounges with ocean views and the best in steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. If you can tear yourself away from the comfort of your room or the ambiance of the restaurant there are more than 1,250 slot machines as well as blackjack, craps, roulette, keno and poker in the casino. Do you prefer bingo? You are in luck; there is a 300 seat bingo hall. The Chinook Winds Resort also caters to golfers with an 18 hole golf course. Then visit the health club or walk on the beach, hike in the forest or into the coastal mountains. For hotel reservations call 1-877-423-2241.
The Siletz Indian culture seeks to adapt to the changing needs of its people. Some tribal events are not open to the public but the tribe welcomes visitors to the Nesika Illahee (Our Land) Powwow. The powwow is held the second weekend in August in the town of Siletz. Visitors are also invited to the Restoration Powwow at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City the third Saturday in November.
While there visit the Siletz Tribe’s Cultural Center located in Siletz on highway 229. You will find traditional baskets and woven hats, historical pictures and other preserved cultural artifacts.
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
1777 N.W. 44th Street
Lincoln City, Or 97367
888-244-6665 (541) 996-5825
www.chinookwindscasino.com
Attractions that are close to the Chinook Winds Casino include seven miles of beaches in Lincoln City where residents and visitors alike enjoy a kite flying paradise. There are kite shops all over town and Lincoln City was actually named the Kite Capitol of the World by the Kitelines magazine. There are miles of beachcombing, hiking camping, fishing and shopping opportunities. Whale watching charters are available at Tradewinds Charters in nearby Depoe Bay.( charterme@tradewindscharters.com.)
Continue South on Highway 101 to the playground town of Newport where you can find the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Undersea Gardens, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Wax Works. Pick up some saltwater taffy and stroll along the beach or head on south to Florence.
Three Rivers Casino
To find the Three Rivers Casino from Lincoln City, travel south along the matchless Oregon Coast on highway 101 to the town of Florence. Stop at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Interpretive Center to take note of the mural that shows how the native people or the Umpqua River area lived in their villages before contact with the white people. The people of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw came from the areas of the Coos Bay/Coos River, the lower Umpqua River and the Siuslaw River and named their casino to acknowledge that fact.
The casino has 300 of the ticket -in, ticket -out , variety of slot machines, many progressive games and blackjack tables and great food.
If you visit the area in September plan to attend the Tsalila celebration in Reedsport. This combination entertainment/educational event celebrates watershed restoration and salmon recovery. The traditional villages feature drumming, dancing, storytelling, and demonstrations. There will be lots of good eats including alder baked salmon dinners.
The Three Rivers Casino
5647 Highway 126
Florence, Or. 97439
(541)997-7529
www.threeriverscasino.com
Nearby attractions include the Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and Sandland Adventures. Florence has wonderful shops, restaurants, a marina and an RV campground on the waterfront. If you like outdoor recreation there is camping, fishing, dune buggy rides, crabbing, hiking and golfing.
The Mill Casino-Hotel
Continuing on south on highway 101 will bring you to the twin bay cities of North Bend and Coos Bay. A remnant of the Coquille Indian Tribe began to rebuild their community with the Coquille Economic Development Corporation which was incorporated to manage tribal businesses. One of the thriving businesses of this group is The Mill Casino and Hotel. While many of the tribal activities are closed to the public there are some festive activities that the general public is invited to. The second week of September is the annual Salmon Celebration which is held on the waterfront at The Mill Casino-Hotel. This is a three day celebration that showcases traditional crafts and games, features cultural displays and Native American entertainers and the culturally traditional salmon bake. Many Pacific Northwest tribes join in this festival and a glimpse of tribal life is evident in the activities.
The Mill Casino features world class gaming at 550 slot machines, blackjack and bingo. The Mill is located right on highway 101. There is ample parking for even the largest motor homes as well as a modern hotel and a restaurant with excellent cuisine and varied menu.
The Mill Casino-Hotel
3201 Tremont Avenue
North Bend, Or 97459
800-953-4800 (541) 756-8800
www.themillcasino.com
Nearby attractions are Myrtlewood Factories and Tours, Charter boat Excursions, and the Coos Historical Museum. Be sure to visit the Shore Acres State Park which features a beautiful botanical garden situated on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take advantage of Whale watching, surfing, windsurfing, hiking and running (this is the home of Steve Prefontaine the legendary runner).
There are six other Sovereign Native American groups who own and operate casinos in Oregon. Every tribal group has a feel and a culture of their own so visit, explore, and get to know the people while making the Casino Tour a part of your vacation.
