Bagby Hot Springs

Area Status: Closed

A historic wooden structure in the forest

Bagby Hot Springs is currently CLOSED and is expected to reopen in 2023.

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 Preservation, Inc. has much work ahead at the hot springs. The site has been closed since 2020 and much of the facilities are nonfunctional and/or heavily vandalized. "We’re working to get staff onsite and begin to restore the facilities to operational capacity. Long-term we want to restore Bagby to the best it has ever been." said Mike Rysavy when asked about their plan. Bagby Hot Springs and the Bagby Campground are still hoping to open this year.

Bagby Preservation Inc. will also be operating Ripplebrook Store under their permit. While the building survived the Riverside Fire, there was a fair amount of interior damage. Work is currently underway to renovate and open the Ripplebrook Store this summer.

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. Bathhouse #2 is CLOSED for safety due to severe deterioration and rot.

Winter Use:

The Bagby Day Use area normally remains open as long as the site is accessible to hosts and managers. Once roads become impassible, the site is no longer maintained. The Bagby Campground officially closes after Labor Day and no services or monitoring for hazards occur until Spring- usually early 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.

Title:	Bagby Hot Springs and Trail
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Title:	Bagby Hot Springs site map
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Description:	Click on Bagby Hot Springs site map to enlarge
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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	New operator is making needed repairs to Bagby Hot Springs. Site will open later in 2023. Bagby Hot Springs requires an operator on site for safety and damage concerns. For updates, visit Bagby Preservation's website. Concessionaire will also operate Ripplebrook Camp Store.
Usage:	Heavy
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 and backcountry camping is allowed 0.25 miles beyond the Hot Springs at Shower Creek. No Alcohol or Marijuana - Alcohol is not allowed from the trailhead to and including Shower Creek. This includes the hot springs. Marijuana is not allowed 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 paper forest map or download one before heading out. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Roads - Fall, winter and spring are wonderful times to visit Bagby, but come prepared for rain and snow. The Hot Springs are occasionally closed due to snow. The roads are not plowed in the winter. 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 courteous to other Bagby patrons. If there are others waiting to get into the tubs, please limit your soaking time.
Closest Towns:	Estacada, OR
Water:	No potable water.
Restroom:	Pit Toilet (3)
Operated By:	Concessionaire (Bagby Preservation)
Information Center:	Clackamas River Ranger District: (971) 333-4100

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.

Bagby Hot Springs