Hidden within the verdant embrace of Mount Hood National Forest, a visit to Bagby Hot Springs is a quintessential Oregon experience. A short hike through a tranquil old-growth forest leads to a variety of hot pools, where nature’s geothermal warmth greets the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Picture: Enjoying a Hot Soak at Bagby
Located approximately 67 miles southeast of Portland and 98 miles east of Salem, Oregon, these natural geothermal springs have drawn visitors for over a century. View a listing of all hot springs near Portland.
Accessible via a scenic 1.5-mile hike through towering firs, Bagby Hot Springs presents a rustic, off-the-grid experience that distinguishes it from more conventional spa destinations.
Finding Your Way to Bagby Hot Springs
Reaching Bagby Hot Springs requires careful planning, particularly concerning road conditions, which can vary significantly depending on the time of year.
Bagby Hot Springs Map
View a statewide map of hot springs in Oregon
Driving Directions from Estacada (the most direct route according to the Forest Service):
- From Estacada, drive 26 miles up the Clackamas River Basin South East on Highway 224.
- Turn South on FSR 46 just past Ripplebrook Guard Station.
- Continue on FSR 46 for 4 miles along the Collawash River until you reach a junction with FSR 63.
- Follow FSR 63 South for 4 miles to a junction with FSR 70.
- 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.
Please keep in mind that online maps might suggest alternative routes that are not suitable or maintained, particularly during winter.
Maps of Babgy Hot Springs Bathhouses, Trailhead and Parking Lot
Printable Maps: Click to Enlarge
Bagby Hot Springs Road Conditions
Road conditions in the Mount Hood National Forest can be unpredictable. Travelers should be prepared for rain, snow, and potential rockfall, especially during the late fall to early spring months.
Roads are generally not plowed in winter, and access to the hot springs may be limited or impossible depending on snow accumulation. It is highly recommended to check the latest road conditions before embarking on the journey, either through the Mt. Hood National Forest website or by contacting the Ripplebrook Store near the intersection of Highway 224 and Forest Road 46, especially as cell service is unavailable in the area.
The Best Time of the Year for Visting Bagby Hot Springs
The best time to visit Bagby Hot Springs is generally during the spring and fall. Spring offers the beauty of blooming wildflowers and a reduced risk of snow or downed trees, while fall provides cooler temperatures ideal for soaking and the stunning colors of the changing leaves.
Summer can be popular, leading to crowded conditions. Winter visits are strongly discouraged due to hazardous road conditions and the lack of road maintenance.
When is Bagby Open and How Much Does it Cost?
Bagby Hot Springs operates as a day-use area, and while specific operating hours are not explicitly stated, accessibility is typically year-round, dependent on road conditions. However, the primary access road is often closed during the winter months, usually from late fall to early spring.
There is a soaking fee of $5 per person. Payment is accepted in cash at the trailhead via a fee box or to an attendant, or by credit card at the Ripplebrook Store located near the turn-off for Forest Road 46.
Upon payment, visitors receive a wristband that must be worn while soaking. It is important to note that no day-use passes for the National Forest are accepted in lieu of the hot springs soaking fee. Reservations are generally not required for soaking, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Look Back in Time
Picture: Standing the Test of Time at Bagby Hot Springs
The history of Bagby Hot Springs dates back to 1880 when it was discovered by an early hunter and prospector named Bob Bagby, for whom the springs are named. The springs quickly gained a reputation for their purported healing properties, attracting both health seekers and campers to the remote location.
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. According to the Forest Service, this Bagby Guard Station housed fire patrol crews during the summer months and was later replaced by a new station in 1974, though the original cabin still stands and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
During the 1920s, Forest Service personnel constructed additional facilities, including a barn, dam, shelters, a telephone switchboard and a bathhouse; however, these structures have since disappeared.
Over the years, the upkeep of the hot springs was primarily managed by the Forest Service. The current bathing facilities, featuring the iconic hand-hewn log tubs, were built over several years by a volunteer group known as the Friends of Bagby. In recent times, the management of Bagby Hot Springs transitioned to a private entity, Bagby Preservation Inc., in 2023.
This change in management followed a period of closure and vandalism during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and later due to fire damage from the Riverside Fire in June 2021 and the Sandstone Fire in September 2024. The hot springs reopened to the public on May 1st, 2024, after restoration efforts led by Bagby Preservation Inc., which also operates the campground and Ripplebrook Store along with The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs.
The Hot Springs Experience
The allure of Bagby Hot Springs lies in its rustic charm and the opportunity to soak in natural geothermal waters amidst a pristine forest setting. The hot springs area features several soaking options distributed across different bathhouses.
The Lower and Upper Bathhouses
Picture: Whiskey Barrel Soaking Tub at Bagby
The lower bathhouse, also known as the Public Deck or Bathhouse #1, offers a communal soaking experience with three log tubs and one larger, six-foot round tub.
Another communal option is the Upper Deck or Bathhouse #3, a short distance from the Public Deck. This area features another whiskey barrel soaking tub, similar in size to the one on the Public Deck and capable of accommodating around 6-8 people, along with three individual metal tubs.
Historically, there was also a Private Deck or Bathhouse #2, which housed five hollowed-out logs, each in a private room. However, this area is currently closed. The variety of tub types, from communal log and barrel tubs to individual metal tubs, offered different soaking experiences. The current closure of the private option, however, limits this variety for the time being.
How Hot is Bagby Hot Springs?
As stated by the Forest Service, the water at Bagby Hot Springs originates from three major springs and several minor seeps. The largest spring, located in the bathhouse, flows at an impressive rate of 24 gallons per minute with a source temperature of 138 degrees Fahrenheit.
By the time the water reaches the soaking tubs, the typical temperature range is between 102 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This significant difference between the source and soaking temperatures is due to the natural cooling process that occurs as water is channeled into the tubs.
Getting the ick? Learn how to test hot springs water quality.
Bagby Hot Springs Mineral Content
Chemical analysis of the hot springs water by the Forest Service indicates a rich mineral composition, including Silica, Sodium, Sulfate, Carbonate, Chloride, Calcium, Hydroxide, Potassium, Fluoride, Magnesium, Arsenic, Lithium, Strontium and Nickel. These minerals are often associated with the therapeutic benefits sought by visitors.
Is Bagby Hot Springs Clothing Optional?
Yes. While public nudity is generally not (legally) permitted at Bagby Hot Springs, it was historically allowed in the now-closed private bathhouses. Swimsuits are rare among soakers, suggesting a more natural and less inhibited atmosphere in the communal tubs.
Essential Amenities and What to Pack
Given the rustic nature of Bagby Hot Springs, visitors should be aware of the limited amenities available and come prepared with the necessary supplies. The facilities include pit toilets located near the hot springs and vault toilets at the nearby campground.
At the parking area and trailhead, visitors will find trash bins and an information booth. For basic supplies, snacks and even free Wi-Fi access, the Ripplebrook Store is conveniently located near the intersection of Highway 224 and Forest Road 46. The limited amenities at the hot springs and campground highlight the importance of being self-sufficient during your visit.
Visitors should bring a swimsuit and towel for soaking. As there is no potable water available at the hot springs or campground, it is essential to pack an adequate supply of drinking water.
Sandals or water shoes are recommended for navigating the area and the bathhouses. A headlamp or flashlight is advisable, especially for evening visits or if planning to camp.
Bringing snacks is also a good idea, as food options are limited to what is available at the Ripplebrook Store. Due to the lack of cell service in the area, it is crucial to bring a map or download one for offline use and to inform someone of your travel plans, including your expected return time, as a safety precaution.
For anyone driving, particularly during winter, it is advisable to carry an emergency kit in the vehicle. The path to the hot springs may become muddy at times, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes is recommended. Furthermore, it’s prudent to bring layers of clothing to adjust to fluctuating weather conditions in the forest.
Extending Your Stay
Video: Bagby is Back!
For those wishing to extend their visit, two camping options are available near Bagby Hot Springs.
Bagby Hot Springs Campground
The Bagby Hot Springs Campground is located adjacent to the trailhead, along the Hot Springs fork of the Collawash River. This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is typically open from April or May through Labor Day, depending on weather conditions.
The nightly fee for a single campsite is around $25, with an additional charge of $8 per night for an extra vehicle. It’s best to confirm the current fees directly with the managing entity.
The campground offers basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. However, it is important to remember that there is no potable water available at the campground. Each campsite typically has a capacity of 6 people and 2 vehicles.
Given its first-come, first-served policy and limited operating season, planning ahead and potentially arriving early in the day is advisable for those hoping to secure a campsite.
Backpacker Campground
For backpackers seeking a more secluded experience, Shower Creek Campground is approximately a quarter mile beyond the hot springs. This campground serves as a convenient base for those exploring further into the wilderness, with common destinations including Shower Creek Falls and Silver Lake (about 6 miles away), as well as access to the Bull of the Woods Wilderness.
Primitive Camping
It is worth noting that primitive camping is permitted at a distance of at least a mile from both the hot springs and the main Bagby Campground.
Exploring the Surroundings
Beyond the hot springs themselves, the area surrounding Bagby offers several opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment.
The 1.5-mile Bagby Hot Springs Trail, which leads to the springs, is itself a beautiful and relatively easy hike through a stunning natural forest. The trail gains only about 200 feet in elevation, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
Adjacent to the hot springs, visitors can explore the historic Bagby Guard Station, a rustic cabin that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Bagby Hot Springs is located just outside the boundary of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness area, providing access to a network of more extensive hiking trails and opportunities for deeper immersion into the wilderness. The area can serve as a basecamp for exploring other attractions within the vast Mount Hood National Forest.
Visitor Insights and Tips
- Bring cash for the soaking fee.
- The trail can often be muddy, so wearing appropriate hiking shoes is recommended.
- Due to its popularity, especially on weekends and during the summer months, visitors should be prepared for potential crowds.
- To avoid the busiest times, visiting during weekdays or at sunrise or sunset.
- Large groups should also be mindful of the informal 30-minute soaking limit to allow others to enjoy the tubs.
- There have been reports of theft from parked vehicles in the past, do not leave any valuables in your car.
Alcohol Ban
Alcohol is strictly prohibited at Bagby, a rule set by the Forest Service in 2002 to maintain a peaceful and safe environment.
Absolutely Leave No Trace
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.
Your Sojourn Awaits
Bagby Hot Springs offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Mount Hood National Forest. Its rustic charm, coupled with the scenic hike, creates a one-of-a-kind experience. By planning your visit carefully, considering the road conditions, packing appropriately, and respecting the natural environment, you can ensure a truly rewarding soak at this Oregon treasure.
Additional Info:
- GPS: 44.936 122.173
- Map Quad: BATTLE AX 15 (or Mount Hood National Forest Map)
- Elevation: 2,250 ft
- Nearby Hot Springs: Breitenbush Hot Springs
- Closest Food/Gas: Estacada
its so dirty! It looked like a public restroom. Wouldnt go there again!
Went to Bagby in March, glad we went in the off season-heard it is very busy in the summer and police are sometimes there. People are not being respectful of others due to the lack of packing out what they bring in…lots of garbage, I felt sad because I love those natural places that you have to put some energy in to find. Got a private room with a hollowed out tree as a tub with my newlywed husband and it was nice to have the privacy. It started getting busy as we were leaving.
Take care in Late Spring to Early Fall with your car in the parking lot. Although the Forest Service has beefed up it patrol of the area, due to it’s distance, it is a popular location to break car windows and rummage through the vehicles.
The trail to Bagby is 1.5 miles long one way, and the last 4th of it is uphill. There are outhouses at the Hot Springs and one in the parking lot. To the left of the parking lot seemed to be a nice dry-camping area, although I never did find out if it was day use only or if they charged a fee.
Just got back from Bagby (6/18/12) and would give serious pause to visiting again. A new group has taken over the upkeep of the place and we were immediately informed in the parking lot what we needed to pay to camp ($11 per night, CHECK OUT at noon) and $5 per person to soak. They even gave us concert-like wrist bands we were suppose to wear. The tubs were fun, same as always and very busy. The campsite, however, had many annoying new aspects. The new picknick tables often were placed right in the way of the best spot to pitch your tent. Not only did I wake up to the loud, awful sound of a leaf blower early in the morning for what seemed like forever, we were disturbed twice by the group workers dropping off a firepit (also way early in the morning) and not sure why the second time cuz we were busy in our tent and ignored them when they kept shouting “Hello? Hello??”. When the noon check out time came, it seemed there were quite a few of these workers just hanging out at our site giving us a not welcome feeling.
I have always paid my usage fee, packed out my garbage, left a clean campsite, and respected the area. This time I felt totally disrespected. Like you can pay to be here, but we really just want your money and for you to leave. Sad.
Bagby Trip Report: F-minus-minus. I have been soaking annually for about 20 years at Bagby. I usually do some cleanup and repair while I’m there, as do most conscientious visitors. After a 2-year gap, I returned for the first time since the rights to manage the site were sold to a private for-profit company that provides Patrol services. The new concessionaire, who has been
given a uniform but not a nametag, actually committed petty vandalism on
our vehicle by loosening the right rear tire’s valve, not realizing
that I could see him as I was moving toward the vehicle through the
forest. I thought it was just a local scam to make money off “repairing”
tires and looking like a hero. Turns out, he recognized our vehicle as
having stopped in the parking lot but not paid for whatever “services”
he was peddling. The next day as we were soaking in the eastern
community tub with another couple, he came in shouting “clothes on!” and
demanding to know which vehicle we were driving. He threatened to
physically assault me in front of witnesses. He confirmed the vehicle
speeding away from the scene of vandalism was his, but denied the
vandalism. He used laughably obvious aggressive and controlling body
language to attempt to illegally search me. I hope that no one else is
frightened or manipulated by this obviously dangerous man.
Thanks for the report, Chris. Sorry to hear you were treated like that. Cops and rent-a-cops have gone psycho-terrorist in recent years, I’ll steer clear of this place till the new owners clean up their acts against humanity.
I was just about to drive over there and visit for the first time with my fiance. Glad I read your report, I’ll look for another place.
Thanks. We were there 10 years ago and I wanted to go back but I’ll cross it off my list
Spent Saturday/Sunday out there this past weekend. The usual crowds and late Saturday night drunks, but what do you expect at Bagby? Had a great soak Sunday morning, get there before 9 if you want to avoid the crowds. It IS great to see the paid employee picking up the place, and packing out bags of trash on the ATV. Worth my $5.
Just soaked 1-16-2016 . Lots of snow very beautiful. Had to use buckets of snow for the isolated community tub as the cold water hose did not work. Also some interesting characters had slept in one of the cabins overnight and asked us if we had beer to trade for cannabis haha. Also have recieved warnings for not paying the 5 dollars per person on my car. I usually arrive at 7 or 8 am so the guard station is closed and nobody was on sight. Thankful for the warning. I dont like leaving an envelope of 5’s on my dash i hear of ppl getting cars broken into and really worry about that. Overall bagby is a great soak.
Darryl – How rough were the roads getting out here this time of year? Considering heading out that way this week.
Just lots of snow and very minimal traffic so only one lane was driven on. Had to pull off the side or in my 2000 nissan maxima i had most drivers pull to the side for me. Just have chains ready and make sure you dont get off the tire tracks because some cars can get stuck in that snow.
Since the demise of friends of bagby and there influence over its upkeep, the trail has improved greatly… But all of the other aspects of the hot springs have gone very much downhill… I have been going there since the early 70s and I am discussed with what I see.. The magic has been ruined… Way to go USFS…
Not really the USFS fault. Their funding by the federal Gov’t is dwindling year after year, and the only way they can afford to keep places like this operational is to contract out to private enterprises. It simply is too expensive for them to maintain the site with federal workers. Sad but true…
Is it safe to camp there?