Bagby Hot Springs
* Do NOT take smaller roads to Bagby, regardless of what Google Maps says. *
Bagby Overview
These natural hot springs are located among towering firs adjacent to a secluded tributary of the Clackamas River, 40 miles southeast of Estacada. The springs are accessible by a 1.4-mile trail, offering a unique, rustic experience. Hand-hewn tubs and cedar plumbing are typical of the primitive facilities.
The lower bathhouse contains three log tubs and one 6-foot round tub in a community setting. The upper bathhouse contains one 6-ft. round tub on an open deck. Please empty your tub and fill it half full so that the water will cool for the next bather.
Winter Use
The Bagby Day Use Area and Campground normally remains open as long as the site is accessible to hosts and managers. Once roads become impassible, the site is no longer maintained until spring (usually April).
The Forest strongly discourages visitors from attempting to drive in once the roads are snow covered. Even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can get stuck. Winter storms can trigger rockslides and falling trees. Local roads and trails are not maintained for winter travel and the area has no cell coverage for emergency calls.
Reservations
Use of the hot springs is on a first come, first served basis. Expect long waits, especially during the weekend.
General Information
The Water at the Hot Springs
Three major springs and several minor seeps are found at Bagby. The large bathhouse spring flows 24 gallons per minute at 138 degrees F.
Chemical analysis by the U.S National Geodetic Survey indicates the following composition (in parts per million): Silica 80.0, Sodium 51.0, Sulfate 45.0, Carbonate 36.0, Chloride 13.0, Calcium 3.4, Hydroxide 1.0, Potassium 1.0, Fluoride 0.8, Magnesium 0.1, Arsenic 0.01, Lithium 0.026, Strontium 0.014, Nickel 0.004, Silver NONE, Copper NONE.
History
The springs were found in 1880 by an early hunter and prospector named Bob Bagby. In 1913 Phil Putz, a Forest Service Guard, built a cabin and a small fire crew stayed there during the summer months. They built a barn, dam, shelters, telephone switchboard, and bathhouse in the 1920’s. All of these facilities have disappeared. The Friends of Bagby built the current bathing facilities at the hot springs over several years.
Bagby Preservation
This site is operated by Bagby Preservation. Visit their website for updates and information.
$5 per person, payable at trailhead. No passes accepted.
- Camping - Bagby Campground is adjacent to the trailhead. Camping at the hot springs is not allowed.
- Nudity - Public nudity is not allowed.
- Pack out all trash!
- Roads - Drive prepared for rain, snow, and rockfall. Roads aren't plowed.
- Safety - There is no cell service! Carry a map, let someone know your itinerary, and do NOT leave valuables in your car.
Day Use: $5/person/day.
Northwest Forest Passes are Honored: $30/annual.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027010
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored for Day Use Sites.
*Per-person fee sites: Admits pass holder and up to 3 people (for a maximum of 4 people).*
https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Purchase a Digital Day Use Pass: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74423
OR
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
$5 soaking fee. Only cash is accepted on site. You can also pay at Ripplebrook Store when it is open.
Dogs are allowed in the campground and hot springs but must be leashed.
Contact Name: Bagby Preservation
Contact Phone: https://bagbypreservation.com/
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.9351
Longitude: -122.1725
Directions
From Estacada, OR - Follow Highway 224 for 26 miles just past the Ripplebrook Store. Then follow Forest Road 46 for 4 miles to the junction of Forest Road 63. Turn right on Forest Road 63 and follow it for 4 miles to the Forest Road 70 junction. Turn right on Forest Road 70 and follow it for 6 miles to the Bagby Trailhead. Then it is a pleasant 1.5-mile walk through the Forest to the Hot Springs.
Travel Considerations
There is limited cell service and third-party map applications often have incorrect information. Always bring a map and know where you're going before you head out. Roads can be slick or snowy in the winter.
Parking
If you park along the road stay off the (white) fog line; otherwise, you may receive a ticket for obstructing the roadway. During nighttime hours, vehicles at the hot springs have been vandalized; don't leave valuables in your car.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
