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Bagby Hot Springs


Less than an hour’s drive from Estacada, Oregon lies historic Bagby Hot Springs – Oregon’s most popular hot springs. Surrounded by the lush Mount Hood National Forest, sun dapples in through old growth trees along the 1.5-mile hike (stroll) to reach Bagby Hot springs’ three soaking options.

Bagby Hot Springs Closure Notice – Yep, It’s Still Closed

The hot springs was closed in June 2021 due to damage from the Riverside Fire and is expected to reopen in 2024 after the new operator finishes repairs. Please contact the Forest Service for more details.

Bagby Hot Springs Tub

Picture: Bagby Whiskey Barrel Tub

Bagby Hot Springs Soaking Pools

The first soaking option is located on the Private Deck which houses five hollowed-out logs, each enclosed within a private room. The Private Deck is partially covered to allow sky views and keep your belongings dry.

Bagby Hot Springs

Picture: Bagby Hot Springs Public Deck


The second option is the Public Deck, featuring three hollowed-out log tubs salvaged from the 1979 fire and one whiskey barrel style tub.

A short distance from the Public Deck lies the third option – the Upper Deck, which was constructed by the Friends of Bagby. This large deck is home to another whiskey barrel soaking tub, which holds around eight people (or so). At Bagby Hot Springs, the Public and Upper Decks are shared, communal soaks.

Fees at Bagby Hot Springs

Soaking Fee: $5.00/person – Bagby wristbands can be purchased on-site with cash or with a credit card at the Ripplebrook Guard Station. No parking or day use fee, just to soak.

Alcohol Ban
In 2002 the Forest Service banned alcohol at the hot springs, please be respectful of this rule, and remember to always pack out what you pack in!

Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon

Picture: Trail Leading to Bathhouses

Bagby Hot Springs Camping

Car camping is available at the Bagby Hot Springs trailhead and a mere quarter mile beyond the hot springs at Shower Creek Campground for backpackers. No camping is allowed along the trail or at the hot springs.

Season
The campground is closed after Labor Day until May or April depending on weather conditions.

Camping Fees
Single sites are available for $15/night and double occupancy sites for $24/night.


Nearby attractions include Shower Creek Falls and Silver King Lake (6 miles from Shower Creek CG).

Overnight Lodging

View Nearby Overnight Accommodations (Expedia paid link)

Bagby Bathhouse num1

Picture: Public Soaking Tubs

Bagby History Lesson

Hunter and prospector, Bob Bagby, discovered the hot springs back in 1880. Not much is known about what happened between then and 1913 when Phil Putz of the Forest Service Guard built a cabin that is still present today. In the 1920s, facilities were expanded to house a small fire crew and in 1974 a new guard cabin was erected.

Over the course of many years, a volunteer group known as The Friends of Bagby designed and constructed the current bathing facilities at Bagby. Upkeep was maintained by the Forest Service until the management of Bagby was turned over to a private organization that presently manages the hot springs.

Winter Hot Springing Warning

The Forest Service does not maintain the roads and trails into and around Bagby during the winter season and strongly discourages attempting to reach the hot springs if there is snow on the ground. Every year multiple soak seekers end up getting stuck and having to contact the Sherrif for assistance.

Since there is no area cell phone coverage, visitors considering a visit to Bagby during the winter season are encouraged to either call or stop by the Ripplebrook Guard Station before attempting to reach the trailhead.

Conservation Efforts

As one of Oregon’s most popular hot springs destinations, Bagby sees a lot of use. Please pack out all of your belongings and all trash encountered. This special place needs all the help it can get. The Forest Service has a resource for outdoor safety and ethics that all hot springers should be well acquainted with. Bathing with soap or shampoo including biodegradable soap or shampoo is not only frowned upon but is also illegal. Don’t be THAT person.

Bagby Hot Springs Videos

A Bagby Hot Springs Moment

 

This is a slow pan of the community area of Bagby Hot Springs.

Bagby Hot Springs

 

Hiking and tubing in the mt hood national forest!

Bagby Hot Springs Google Map

Driving Directions

  1. From Estacada, drive 26 miles up the Clackamas River Basin South East on Highway 224.
  2. Turn South on FSR 46 just past Ripplebrook Guard Station.
  3. Continue on FSR 46 for 4 miles along the Collawash River until you reach a junction with FSR 63.
  4. Follow FSR 63 South for 4 miles to a junction with FSR 70.
  5. Take FSR 70 South West for 6 miles to the parking area and trailhead for Bagby Hot Springs. The campground is to the left and Bagby Hot Springs Trailhead on the right upon entering the parking area. There is also an outhouse, trash bin and information booth on-site.

Bagby Hot Springs Printable Maps

Bagby Hot Springs Soak Stats:

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (access road often closed during winter – check roads)
Type: Hike (1.4 miles Bagby Hot Springs Trail #544)
GPS: 44.936 122.173
Map Quad: BATTLE AX 15 (or Mount Hood National Forest Map)
Elevation: 2,250 ft
Land: Public – Official Page (Picnic Site)
Fee: Yes – $5/person (wristbands for soaking can be purchased on-site with cash or with a credit card at the Ripplebrook Guard Station)
Restrictions: Day use fee, no camping at springs or along trail
Usage: High
Visibility: Low
Temp: 102-105
Water Clarity: Semi-Clear
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: Shower Creek Falls, Silver King Lake
Nearby Hot Springs: Breitenbush Hot Springs
Closest Food/Gas: Estacada
Trash: High
Bugs: Moderate
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: Paid at trailhead/parking area, backpack camping past hot springs, other nearby NF campgrounds
Clothing Optional: Only in private bathhouses
Pit Toilet: Yes
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