Bagby Hot Springs is a group of natural hot springs in the Clackamas River Ranger District, about 40 miles southeast of Estacada. From the trailhead on Forest Road 70, it is a walk of about a mile and a half under tall firs, next to a quiet tributary of the Clackamas River. A prospector named Bob Bagby came across the springs in 1880.
The bathhouses are rustic, with hand-hewn log tubs and cedar plumbing, and the main spring runs at about 138 degrees. Bring a paper map, since cell service is limited and phone apps often get the route wrong. There are vault toilets but no drinking water.
Things to do
- Picnicking
Getting there
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.
Road notes
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.
Rockfall and landslides are common on Forest Roads 46 and 63 to Bagby Hot Springs. Be prepared to turn around or change a tire!
Roads can be slick or snowed out 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.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
This site is operated by Bagby Preservation.
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.
Reservations
Use of the hot springs is on a first come, first served basis. Expect long waits, especially during the weekend.
Rules and restrictions
Camping - Bagby Campground is adjacent to the trailhead. Camping at the hot springs 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.
All fees
$5 per person, payable at trailhead
Only cash is accepted on site. You can also pay at Ripplebrook Store when it is open.
Passes and permits
$5 per person, payable at trailhead. No passes accepted.
Contact
Contact Name: Bagby Preservation
Contact Phone: https://bagbypreservation.com/
Ranger office
Clackamas River Ranger District
Address: 16400 Champion Way Sandy, OR 97055
Phone: 971-333-4100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)