Soak, Rejuvenate, Repeat

story by MOLLY ALLEN | photos courtesy of TENZEN SPRINGS & CABINS

For those who explore the Columbia River Gorge, there are countless ways to discover the healing powers of nature. Now, there’s a new getaway in Carson that’s truly harnessing that power at the very core: Tenzen Springs & Cabins.

Takeshi (Tak) and Toyo Yoshida began visiting the Carson Hot Springs Resort decades ago, with the goal of alleviating the pain

Toyo experienced due to rheumatoid arthritis. But with their primary residence in Portland, the trip back and forth became too much. In 1996, the Yoshidas bought a cabin nearby to allow for easier access to the hot springs. With the cabin’s proximity to the Wind River, and the same springs that were helping to ease Toyo’s pain, Tak wondered if there might be access to the springs from their own property as well. When they discovered there was, it formed the foundation for the Yoshida family’s quest to share the healing powers of this geothermal water with others.

“When they found it, then came the thought of sharing water with others and they started looking for property with a view,” says Nanae Yoshida, who runs Tenzen with her husband

Nick. It took years to find and purchase the land where Tenzen now sits, but once it was secured, the search for the necessary access well to share the geothermal water with others began.

“Tak passed away just a few days after we found it,” says Yoshida, remembering that her father-in-law was clapping at the discovery of the injection well needed to move forward with their plans.

The original idea was to establish a large day spa on the 100-acre property. But once the plans were drawn up, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic foiled the project. Instead, the family pivoted to providing the unique stay that can be found at Tenzen today, launching the cabins in June 2022. e property sits nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Gorge. After driving up the winding road just east of the Wind River, you’re met with a gate requiring a punch code for access. ere are six individual cabins positioned on the edge of the hill, each with adequate space in between for privacy.

The cabins at Tenzen Springs sit on 100 acres of private property on a bluff east of Stevenson. Each 250-square-foot cabin has a wrap-around deck and a Japanese-inspired outdoor shower, as well as distinctive views of the surrounding area.

Walking the grounds, you can feel the power of this place. It’s incredibly quiet, wildly peaceful, allowing you to truly be immersed in the setting. Neither children nor pets are allowed on the property, both due to safety concerns and to promote a calming environment.

In line with the goal of relaxation, each of the six cabins are wellequipped for a multi-night stay. It’s evident that they were designed to o er an abundance of amenities while maintaining a minimalistic approach. Plush mattresses with u y duvets sit on top of platform beds, allowing for storage space underneath. Each cabin is out tted with a small kitchenette with cooking utensils, enabling guests to prepare a simple meal. However, the Yoshidas also encourage guests to visit other local businesses nearby.

“I put my feet in the customer’s shoes,” Yoshida says. “ e closest town, Carson, is seven minutes and the bigger town, Stevenson, is 10 minutes away. I would like to encourage guests to eat out since many good restaurants are there. Since there is no restaurant for breakfast in walking distance, we thought we may need to provide either a microwave or stove top so guests can enjoy a warm breakfast.” oughtful touches have been added to each cabin, including local guidebooks and maps, coloring materials and outdoor Pendleton blankets, so guests can choose to venture out during their visit or stay in. And unlike many hotel rooms or cabins, there are no televisions.