If you’re looking for a heavenly oasis to soothe your soul, look no further than the Bagby Hot Springs in the Mt. Hood National Forest. This serene spot is located just outside of Estacada, Oregon and offers visitors three rustic bathhouses to choose from. The 1.4-mile hike to reach the hot springs may be difficult, but it’s well worth it once you take a dip in one of the many tubs nestled into the forest. The hot springs are fed by a natural spring and range in temperature from 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bagby Hot Springs Pools
Nestled in the Mount Hood National Forest, Bagby Hot Springs is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The springs get their name from William Bagby, who was the first man to build a cabin in the area back in 1880. Although the springs have changed hands several times over the years, they remain a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
There are three main springs at Bagby Hot Springs, with additional smaller ones scattered throughout. The biggest spring hovers around 138°F or 59°C with a flow rate is around 24 gallons per minute. The two smaller springs are 136°F and 120°F, or 58°C and 49°C, with the water trickling at 15 gallons per minute and 3 gallons per minute, respectively. The water is cooled before soaking in to lower temperatures.
Note that: Because cellphone coverage is not available, being stranded on your way to the springs might be dangerous.
Soaking in the springs is said to have numerous benefits, including helping to relieve muscle pain, reduce stress levels, and improve circulation. Visitors can choose to soak in one of the many pools on-site, or they can opt to rent a private pool for a more intimate experience. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, there’s no doubt that Bagby Hot Springs is a truly unique place to visit.
The pools are open during the day and are maintained throughout late spring to Labor Day, depending on the weather. Before getting wristbands for the springs at either the Ripplebrook Store or trailhead, visitors must pay a modest charge.
For those who wish to visit in the winter, the springs are accessible but forest services discourage visitors from trekking there when it is snowing.
What is the history of the Bagby Hot Springs and how have they changed over time?
The history of the Bagby Hot Springs dates back to the early 1800s, when they were discovered by a local hunter named Bob Bagby. About 30 years later, a man named Phil Putz built the first cabin close to the springs and then added some additional facilities in the 1920’s. Unfortunately, these buildings disappeared over time.
However, most recently, The Friends of Bagby decided to create and manage the current bathhouse, allowing visitors to enjoy this natural forest paradise once again.
A bathhouse was constructed at the hot springs in the 1920s. However, this bathhouse burned down in 1979 after bathers left candles unattended. In response to this, the volunteer group Friends of Bagby (FOB) formed in 1981 with the goal of rebuilding the bathhouses.
Between 1983 and 1986, the Forest Service and FOB worked together to build three new bathhouses at Bagby. However, conflict among the leadership of FOB led to a rift within the group in the late 1990s. As a result, the Forest Service terminated its contract with FOB in summer 2001. In 2011/2012, Bagby was handed over to a concessionaire to run/operate.
Consequently, there is now a $5 per person soaking fee. Despite these changes, the Bagby Hot Springs remain a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Bathhouses at Bagby Hot Springs
Nestled in the serene forests of Oregon, Bagby Hot Springs offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate in natural thermal springs. The hot springs are located in three historic bathhouses, each with its own unique atmosphere.
The main bathhouse features five private tubs, perfect for individuals or couples looking for a little privacy.
The second bathhouse has a community tub next to an open deck, providing a great opportunity to socialize with other guests. For those seeking a more intimate experience, there are also three private rooms.
The third bathhouse is located nearly 300 feet from the other two and also has a community tub, making it the ideal spot for groups of friends or family members.
No matter which bathhouse you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Bagby Hot Springs, one of many great hot springs in Oregon.
Getting to Bagby Hot Springs
The only way to get to Bagby Hot Springs is by hiking a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail from a nearby forest Service parking area. The hike is relatively easy, with only a 200-foot (61 m) elevation gain, and the trail is well-maintained by the Forest Service and volunteers from the Northwest Forest Conservancy.
Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with views of towering Douglas fir trees and cascading waterfalls. The hot springs themselves are located in a series of natural pools formed by surrounding rocks, and the minerals in the water are said to have healing properties. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing soak, Bagby Hot Springs is sure to provide an enjoyable experience for all.
Camping at Bagby Hot Springs
Camping is not permitted in the vicinity of the springs, so overnight visitors will have to go to the Bagby Campgrounds and pay a small fee. In the backcountry at Shower Creek, 0.25 miles from the springs, visitors may also camp for free.
Map and Address To Bagby Springs
Below is a map pf Bagby Hot Springs:
Address: Mt. Hood National Forest | 40 miles from Escatada, Oregon 97022
Season: Year-round (Day-Time) | Only maintained between late spring- Labor Day | Forest Services discourages winter usage
GPS: 44.936 122.173
Common questions about Bagby Hot Springs
Despite its popularity, there are still some common questions about Bagby Hot Springs. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions:
Is Bagby Hot Springs still open?
Yes, Bagby Hot Springs is still open! The great thing about this place is that it’s open year-round, so you can enjoy its natural beauty and tranquility no matter what time of year it is. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Bagby Hot Springs is a must-visit for any nature lover or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Is Bagby campground open?
It varies, you can chek their website here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=79271
Did Bagby Hot Springs burn in the fire?
Yes, Bagby Hot Springs burned in the fire. The fire destroyed the buildings and the natural hot springs were covered in soot. However, the Forest Service has announced that they will be rebuilding and reopening Bagby Hot Springs in 2020.
Is Bagby Hot Springs open again?
Yes, Bagby Hot Springs is open again! The hot springs reopened on August 1, 2018, after being closed for over a year. The closure was due to the Eagle Creek Fire, which burned through the area in 2017. Latest open status can be viewed on website here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=52880
Summary
Bagby Hot Springs is a wonderful oasis located in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The 1.4-mile hike to reach the springs may be difficult, but it’s well worth it once you dip into one of the many tubs nestled into the forest.
There are three bathhouses, each with its own unique atmosphere, and no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Bagby Hot Springs.
The only way to get to the hot springs is by hiking a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail from a nearby forest Service parking area, but the hike is relatively easy and well-maintained. Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding forest and cascading waterfalls.
Camping is not permitted in the vicinity of the springs, but overnight visitors can camp for free at Shower Creek, 0.25 miles from the hot springs. Bagby Hot Springs is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially lovely in the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing soak, Bagby Hot Springs is sure to provide an enjoyable experience for all.