Bagby Hot Springs
Clackamas County, Oregon
Details
Distance
2.91 miles
Elevation Gain
397 ft
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.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Bagby Hot Springs Reviews
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.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Opal Creek Pools Loop
Cedar Flat and Kopetski Trail Loop
Battle Ax Mountain
Gold Butte Fire Lookout
Swim at Three Pools
Henline Falls Trail
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy