Cascada Thermal Springs and Spa is Portland’s Underground Answer to Wellness
Table of Contents
Who would have thought that tucked away in Portland’s eclectic Alberta Arts District, you’d find a thermal springs sanctuary that rivals the most luxurious European spa retreats? This brand-new, innovative wellness destination is a thermal oasis right in the middle of a bustling city.
It’s where creative arts district energy meets contemporary wellness design, creating something entirely unique to the Pacific Northwest.
While I haven’t personally visited this Portland wellness resort just yet, I’m excited to add it to my list of places to visit in the U.S. for deep thermal relaxation.
The Underground Sanctuary at Cascada PDX
At the heart of Cascada Thermal Springs Hotel lies “The Sanctuary,” an underground haven where you can soak, relax and rejuvenate. Here, you’ll find three distinct thermal circuits, each offering a different temperature experience. The vitality pools, combined with an invigorating cold plunge, sauna, and ice fountain, create the perfect environment for traditional contrast therapy.
Cascada recommends this type of sequence when visiting The Sanctuary:
- Spend 10-15 minutes heating your body in the sauna, steam room or hot pool
- Step into the cold plunge or rub ice over your body at the Ice Fountain
- Relax in the ambient pool or find a lounger. This is the stage when endorphins are released throughout your body
Wait 15-20 minutes before repeating the cycle again.
The Upstairs “Conservatory” and “Secret Garden” Pool Areas
Moving upward, “The Conservatory” welcomes you with its soothing 84-degree indoor pool surrounded by comfortable day beds. Natural light streams through the multi-story solarium, where lush greenery surrounds comfortable relaxation areas, creating a tropical escape in the Pacific Northwest.
“The Secret Garden,” set to open in Spring 2025, is an inviting outdoor thermal circuit designed for relaxation and social connection. This serene space features a rejuvenating hot vitality pool, a soothing sauna, and a refreshing chilled waterfall walk, offering a unique blend of warmth and cool tranquility.
Cascada Hot Springs’ Amenities
Cascada PDX is a unique place because it’s not ONLY a thermal resort. Here’s what else you’ll find at Cascada.
Hotel
This spot isn’t only a thermal oasis, but also a hotel! If you’re visiting from out of town or simply need a staycation, consider booking a room at Cascada. You can choose between a variety of rooms, including a Studio Suite, Sky Loft, or Two-Bedroom Suite.
All suites come with a king bed with an all-natural mattress and bedding, full kitchenette, full bathroom, washer and dryer, and blackout curtains.
Spa
Rejuvenate yourself at Cascada with one of many spa treatments such as massages, scrubs, wraps, facials and couples treatments.
Fitness
For fitness enthusiasts, Cascada goes beyond traditional spa offerings. The well-equipped strength training and cardio studios host dynamic group classes that’ll keep you motivated. You can book a workout class AND a relaxing thermal spa experience afterwards, completing your day of wellness.
Dining
Once you’re finished with your soak, have a meal at Terra Mae, a restaurant at Cascada that blends Portuguese and Japanese cuisine. Or, you can grab a delicious cup of coffee in the hotel lobby cafe.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Cascada?
It won’t be a cheap endeavor to visit the lovely thermal area at Cascada in Portland.
- $100 per person for a three-hour visit
- $120 per person to join a fitness class and then visit the hot springs areas for 3 hours
- $300-$500 per night for the hotel rooms
- $260 for a 90-minute massage
- $200 for a facial
As you can see, prices are definitely on the higher side, but I also think that’s typical for wellness resorts in the United States. You’ll find much more affordable options in Europe.
Architectural and Design Elements
As soon as you step into Cascada, you’ll notice how the architecture creates a seamless flow between wellness spaces. Their use of Oregon-sourced mass plywood is a sustainable choice that adds warmth to the contemporary design. The limestone plaster walls have this beautiful, organic texture that catches the light in different ways throughout the day, creating an ever-changing atmosphere.
The crown jewel of Cascada’s design is undoubtedly the multi-story solarium. It’s a masterpiece of natural light and biophilic design, where sunbeams dance through the glass panels and play off the water of the conservatory pool below.
The surrounding greenery transforms what could have been just another indoor pool into something that feels more like a tropical greenhouse. I love how the plants seem to cascade down from different levels, creating this vertical garden effect that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city.
The thoughtful integration of natural elements makes every corner of Cascada feel like a retreat from urban life, while still maintaining that distinctly Portland vibe.
I Can’t Wait to Visit Cascada. How About You?
Cascada Hot Springs has achieved what many thought impossible: bringing the serenity and healing properties of natural thermal springs into the heart of urban Portland.
As Portland continues to evolve, Cascada stands as a testament to the city’s innovative spirit, bridging the gap between urban living and wellness retreats. Whether you’re a local seeking a daily escape or a visitor exploring Portland’s unique offerings, Cascada Hot Springs offers an experience that’s distinctly Portland yet wonderfully unexpected.
What do you think? Will YOU visit Cascada Thermal Springs and Spa?
Hi, I’m Kristin Hanes, and I’ve spent years traveling the globe to uncover the most serene hot springs, saunas, and wellness retreats. As a journalist and avid hot springs enthusiast, I’ve combined my passion for relaxation with my love of storytelling to create BlissfulSoaks.
