Bagby Hot Springs

Visiting Bagby Hot Springs is a truly Oregonian experience, where nature’s geothermal warmth meets the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tucked deep within the majestic Mount Hood National Forest, Bagby offers a refreshing escape for adventurers willing to hike the 1.4-mile path through old-growth forest. The trailhead and campground are just under three hours from Portland and less than an hour from Estacada. Find other hot springs near Portland.

Bagby Hot Pools

Once you’ve hiked out to the hot springs, you will be presented with three soaking opportunities: Bathhouses 1, 2, and 3. Please note that the private bathhouse (#2) is currently unavailable, however, the two other communal soaking areas have been recently renovated and are ready for use.

Bathhouse #1: The Public Deck

The Public Deck features one whiskey barrel soaking tub that can fit around 6-8 people. Gone are the three hollowed-out log tubs salvaged from the 1979 fire.

Bathhouse #2: The Private Deck (Closed)

The second soaking option known as the Private Deck houses five hollowed-out logs, each enclosed within a private room. This area is partially covered to allow sky views and keep your belongings dry. Please note that Bathhouse #2, aka the Private Deck, is currently closed.

Bathhouse #3: The Upper Deck

A short distance from Bathhouse #1 (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 6-8 people (or so), and three single metal tubs.

Bathhouses #1 and #3 (the public and upper decks) are shared, communal soaks.

Bagby Hot Springs Access Fees

Soaking at Bagby costs $5 per person, with passes available for purchase at the trailhead (cash only) or by a credit card at the Ripplebrook Store, located near the intersection of Hwy 224 and Forest Road 46. There are no parking or day-use fees, only fees for soaking.

Alcohol Ban

Remember, alcohol is strictly prohibited at Bagby, a rule set by the Forest Service in 2002 to maintain a peaceful and safe environment. Additionally, please adhere to the “leave no trace” ethic—pack out all your belongings and trash to help preserve this cherished spot for future generations.

Bagby Hot Springs Campground

Camping is available near the trailhead on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground features 16 campsites and two vault toilets but no drinkable water.

• Season: April/May through Labor Day. The campground is closed after Labor Day until April or May depending on weather conditions.
• Camping Fees: Single sites are available for $25/night. Extra vehicle $8/night. Cash or check, no credit cards.

Backpacker Campground: A mere quarter mile beyond the hot springs backpackers can camp at Shower Creek Campground. Common destinations include Shower Creek Falls and Silver Lake (6 miles from Shower Creek CG) and Bull of the Woods Wilderness destinations.

Camping Considerations

• Camping is NOT allowed along the trail or at the hot springs.
• Primitive camping is only permitted at a distance of at least a quarter mile from the hot springs and the campground.

Supplies: The Ripplebrook Store has basic snacks and some gear plus free wi-fi access. Gas and other supplies can be purchased in Estacada.

Bagby Hot Springs Directions

Driving Directions to Bagby Hot Springs from Estacada

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

Winter Weather 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 snow is on the ground. Every year multiple soak seekers end up getting stuck and having to contact the sheriff 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 Store before attempting to reach the trailhead. Check Oregon road conditions

Conservation Efforts

As one of Oregon’s most popular hot springs destinations, Bagby sees A TON of use and abuse. 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 Video

Bagby Hot Springs Reopens Years After Closure

Video: According to the U.S. Forest Service website, the natural hot springs have reopened since their closure.

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 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 Bagby Preservation Inc., which presently operates the hot springs, campground, and Ripplebrook Store along with The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs.

Bagby Hot Springs was closed in June 2021 due to damage from the Riverside Fire and was restored and reopened to the public on May 1st, 2024 thanks to the efforts of Bagby Preservation Inc. led by Mike and Tamarah Rysavy. As of September 21, 2024, Bagby Hot Springs reopened again after a brief closure due to the Sandstone Fire.

Bagby Hot Springs Soak Stats:

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (access road often closed during winter)
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 Store)
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, Bull of the Woods Wilderness
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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