Bagby Hot Springs

Less than an hour’s drive from Estacada, Oregon lies historic Bagby Hot Springs – one of Oregon’s most popular hot springs. Surrounded by the lush Mount Hood National Forest, sun dapples in through old growth trees along the 1.4-mile hike (stroll) to reach Bagby Hot Springs’ three soaking options.

Bagby is BACK – Now Open as of May 1st, 2024 Bagby Hot Springs was closed in June 2021 due to damage from the Riverside Fire and is once again open to the public thanks to the efforts of Bagby Preservation Inc. Well done Mike and Tamarah Rysavy! Who also own/operate two other commercial hot springs in eastern Oregon. The private bathhouse is currently unavailable, but the two other communal soaking areas have been recently renovated and are ready for use. The cost for soaking is $5 per person, payable in cash at the trailhead or with a credit card at Ripplebrook Store, located at the intersection of Hwy 224 and Forest Road 46.

Picture: Bagby Whiskey Barrel Tub

Bagby Hot Springs Soaking Pools

Once you’ve hiked the 1.4 miles to the hot springs you will be presented with three soaking opportunities: Bathhouses 1, 2 and 3.

Bathhouse #1: AKA 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.

Picture: The Old Bagby Hot Springs Public Deck

Bathhouse #2: 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: A short distance from Bathhouse #1 (the Public Deck) lies the third option – AKA 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.

At Bagby Hot Springs, Bathhouses #1 and #3 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 Store. 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!

Picture: Trail Leading to Bathhouses

Bagby Hot Springs Camping

Official Campground: Located at the trailhead for the hot springs, the first come, first served Bagby Hot Springs Campground has 16 campsites and 2 vault toilets. Drinkable water is not available.

• 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.

Picture: Old 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 Bagby Preservation Inc. which presently manages the hot springs, campground and Ripplebrook Store.

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 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.

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

Bagby Hot Springs Google Map

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

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 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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