Bagby Hot Springs

Area Status: Closed

In January 2023 a permit was issued to a new concessionaire to operate Bagby Hot Springs for 20 years through 2042. Bagby Preservation, Inc. was founded by long-time Bagby Hot Springs advocates Mike & Tamarah Rysavy. The Rysavys bring professional hot springs experience, as they already own and operate two hot springs resorts in eastern Oregon.

Bagby Hot Springs closed in 2020 and many facilities were nonfunctional and/or heavily vandalized. Thanks to Bagby Preservation, the hot springs have received renovations. They will continue working to improve this beloved site. Bagby Preservation also operates Ripplebrook Store under their permit, which received renovations in 2023.

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-ft. 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 Once roads become impassible, the site is no longer maintained until spring (usually April).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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Closed due to the Sandstone Fire.
Fees:	$5 soaking fee. Only cash is accepted on site; credit is accepted at the Ripplebrook Store.
Restrictions:	Nudity - Public nudity is not allowed. Camping - Camping is not permitted at Bagby Hot Springs. However, the Bagby Campground is adjacent to the trailhead. No Alcohol or Marijuana - Alcohol is not allowed from the trailhead to and including Shower Creek. This includes the hot springs. Marijuana is illegal on federal lands. Pack it Out - Maintenance funds are limited. Help us provide an enjoyable recreation experience for everyone and pack out everything you brought with you. Safety - There is no cell service. Carry a map or download a free motor vehicle use map on Avenza before heading out. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Roads - Drive prepared for rain, snow, and rockfall. Roads are not plowed during winter and the hot springs may not be accessible, depending on snow. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. 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. Springs Etiquette - Be kind to other Bagby patrons and share tubs with other visitors. If there are others waiting to get into the tubs, please limit your soaking time to 30 minutes as a courtesy. PLEASE NOTE: Bull of the Woods Wilderness can be accessed from Bagby Hot Springs. If you enter wilderness, please be aware of the wilderness regulations.
Closest Towns:	Estacada, OR
Water:	No potable water.
Restroom:	Pit Toilet (3)
Passes:	(Camping: 50% discount for single site camping with any of these passes: Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age or Golden Access. No day use passes accepted in lieu of payment.
Operated By:	Bagby Preservation
Information Center:	Clackamas River Ranger District Bagby Preservation website Bagby Preservation Facebook page

General Information

General Notes:

Directions:

From Estacada follow Highway 224 for 26 miles just past the Ripplebrook Guard Station. Then follow road 46 for 4 miles to the junction of road 63. Turn right on road 63 and follow it for 4 miles to the road 70 junction. Turn right on road 70 and follow it for 6 miles to the Bagby Trailhead. Then it is a pleasant 1 ½ mile walk through the forest to the Hot Springs.

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.