Bagby Hot Springs is situated at a distance of 67 miles or 108 km from the Mount Hood Natural Forest. Following a trail through heavy vegetation, the natural springs are at a height of 2280 feet or 695 m. The Bulls of the Woods Wilderness area is close by.
There are three main springs in the area, and many smaller ones. The temperature of the biggest spring is around 138oF or 59oC and the flow rate is around 24 gallons or 91 liters per minute. The two smaller springs have a temperature of 136oF or 58oC and 120oF or 49oC. Water flow of the two smaller springs is around 15 gallons or 57 liters or 3 gallons or 11 liters. All the springs, both big and small, are rich in minerals especially silica, sodium and sulfate. People from all over the state enjoy coming here to take advantage of the healing benefits as they relax the day away.
General Information
Bagby Hot Springs in Oregon are open around the clock. Camping is not allowed in the area around the springs as well as on the trail. The fee per person is $5 and can be paid by cash or credit card. Payment can be made at Ripplebrook Store or the trailhead. After you have made the payment, you’re provided with a soaking band.
No roads lead to the springs so you will be taking a short hike to them. The only access to the springs is through a 1.5 mile or 2.4 m trail. Please check road conditions if you plan to travel to Bagby Springs during the winter months. Roads may be blocked if the snowfall is heavy. During the hike, there are an abundance of things to do such as stopping off at Peg Leg falls for some quick photos. Just don’t wonder too far off the beaten path as it’s easy to get caught up and lost in the beautify of Mount Hood National Forest.
Amenities
There are three bath houses near Bagby Hot Springs. Two of these are located next to each other, and the third one is located upwards nearly 300 feet away. The main bathhouse has five private tubs for your enjoyment. The second bathhouse has a community tub next to an open deck, and three private rooms. The third bathhouse comprises a community tub.
Accommodation
Camping isn’t allowed near the bathhouses or on the trail. A campsite is available near the trailheads, almost 0.5 miles away from the spring. The fee for a single tent is $16. For double stay, the charges are around $24.
What Else Should You Know
• Alcohol isn’t allowed in the area. Waiting time for private tubs varies and may be longer during the weekends and summer holidays.
• Carry a forest map with you in case there are no internet signals.
• Wear your wristband as long as you are on the site.
• Pack some extra clothes with you, even if you won’t be staying overnight. The weather can be unpredictable.
• Like with all springs, bring the trash back. Don’t make any mess near the springs or at the campsite.
Directions to Bagby Hot Springs
1. Drive up Clackamas River Bason heading south east on Highway 224 from Estacada.
2. Head south on FSR 46 for 4 miles as you pass the Ripplebrook Guard Station
3. At junction FSR 63, head south for another 4 miles until you reach FSR 70
4. Go west roughly 6 miles and you will find parking at the trailhead for Bagby Hot Springs
History of Bagby Hot Springs
Bob Bagby, a local hunter in the area discovered these natural hot springs all the way back in the 1800’s. Roughly 30 years later a man by the name of Phil Putz built the first cabin next to the springs which is still there to this day. As years went on there hasn’t been many updates or renovations other than a new cabin being built in the 1920’s. However, The Friends of Bagby have worked on creating the facilities there today and a private organization currently manages the upkeep.
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There have been several guard stations constructed over the years near the springs. Originally they served as a place for the fire patrol to station themselves during the peak summer fire season, but have since been renovated and put on the historical places list under the National Register.
Dating back to Native American times, Bagby hot springs was the primary place for the people to come and relax. In the 1920’s a bathhouse was created to give way to more of the public. When candles were lit and forgotten, the bathhouse burned down in the 1970’s and reconstruction began. During the rebuilding, three bathhouses were constructed between the Friends of Bagby and the Forest Service.
The largest of the hot springs flows at roughly 24 gallons per minute and has an internal temperature of 138 F. The second largest isn’t too far behind at 15 gallons per minute with an internal temperature of 136 F. The third and smallest runs at 3 gallons per minute with a temperature of 120. The water that is produced from the ground has mean healing minerals including:
– Silica
– Sulfate
– Sodium
– Carbonate
– Calcium
– Potassium
– Magnesium
– Lithium
Open from 8am to 10pm, there is a small fee of $5 per person. This isn’t bad compared to most places and allows you to enjoy all the amenities. The summer season can get rather busy so plan accordingly and get their early so you don’t have to wait for a good soak.
Within the bathhouses, there are several log tubs and private rooms. The lower bathhouse has a couple Japanese style tubs and a larger one out on the deck. Many people love coming to Bagby springs in Oregon for this one of a kind experience in the wilderness.
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