Hike to Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon
Details
Distance
3.4 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by The Outbound Collective
Bagby Hot Springs are natural hot springs located approximately 70 miles southeast of Portland in Mount Hood National Forest.
Bagby Hot Springs is actually a set of amazing bathhouses nestled in the forest outside of Estacada. They are one of Oregon’s most poplar hot springs, and for good reason. The hike into the hot springs is easy and quite scenic. You’ll cross a bridge over Nohorn Creek and follow the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River up to the bathhouses.
There are three sets of bathhouses at the site, each with its own personality. The main bathhouse has five hollowed-out cedar tubs, each in a private room. The lower bathhouse has three hollowed-out log tubs, and one large round tub located on an open deck. The upper bathhouse is located about 100 yards up from the other two bathhouses and features one large round tub on an open deck.
The bathhouses are open for 24-hour use and are managed by the USDA Forest Service. They can get crowded on summer weekend and holidays, so I recommend going in non-peak seasons. Camping and alcohol are not permitted in the area. Also, nudity is allowed on the bath decks, but not in the open areas surrounding the bathhouses.
Call the Clackamas Ranger District (503.630.6861) to check road conditions before heading there.
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Reviews
the hike is very nice and maybe worth it by itself. be aware that there are essentially two waiting areas. up top by the private tubs and you can bypass those and walk the boardwalk to the right of the private tubs down to the public larger tubs. I usually don't dunk my head in hot springs, but I definitely wouldn't here, due to so much use.
4.0
Not a very exciting hike on the way there, but the hot springs is a blast. It’s a nice area to sit in the warm tubs but unfortunately it has been plagued with some trash (assorted beer cans, etc.) likely due to the COVID-19 closure though.
3.0
Be prepared to stay in a line to get into a tub! I probably waiting around an hour or even more to get into one of the private ones, but definitely worth it! You could also go to the public tub which usually is less of a wait time. Either way worth it!
4.0
Gorgeous hike and the hot springs are well worth the journey.
5.0
Sigh...I just love this place! As other people have said, it does have a reputation for cars getting broken into and being unsafe, but I agree that that has changed and it no longer feels unsafe. There is a campground right next to the trailhead where you can catch some z's next to the sound of rushing water (a great place to take a morning cold plunge to wake yourself up) As for the fee, we always go at night when no one is collecting money, then it's totally free!
5.0
Always crowded, everyday, at all times, in any weather condition and now that it is controlled by a campground service company it costs to bathe there, with no guarantee of acquiring a tub. I love this place, it is in my backyard as I grew up and live in Estacada, but it has definitely changed over the years. It used to be unsafe years ago, as unsavory people used to go there. But since the forest Service now patrols it, it has become more family friendly and alcohol free. Though everyone brings alcohol anyway. Never leave anything in your car, as it might get broken into. Crime has dropped up there, but still happens, usually after dark. Also, about a year ago someone destroyed the cold water plumbing and now you have to walk to the stream to get cold water in 5 gallon buckets. Its not far, but annoying. Though the negatives and stigma of this place it is a beautiful hike through old growth. The trail continues on past Bagby to Bull of the Woods wilderness which holds some of the best untouched old growth stands in Oregon and stunning back country lakes. I recommend Bagby to everyone
5.0
Do NOT try to go here right now. OR-224 is still closed after the forest fire over the summer. I learned this the hard way after driving 1.5 hours from Portland only to run into a road block.
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