Nestled in the Mt. Hood National Forest are many options for people wanting to visit natural hot springs. While exploring this beautiful and mountainous region of Oregon’s central range, making a pilgrimage to the Bagby Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax in the staggering natural beauty of Mt. Hood. The trail is easy and the waters are very warm, making Bagby Hot Springs the perfect destination for anyone needing a bit of rest and relaxation.
Getting There
Upon arrival at Bagby Campground and Hot Springs, visitors are offered a choice between turning left into the camping area, or right towards the trailhead. Since we were camping elsewhere and had made the journey simply to experience the hot springs, we parked in the parking lot to the right. After paying our day usage fee of $5, we set off down the trail, deeper into the forest in earnest anticipation.
The trail was nicely honed down by regular foot traffic heading into the hot springs and was a very easy 1.5 mile hike to the hot springs. A dirt trail through the Mount Hood National Forest, this path is surrounded by immense pine trees and is well worth the short hike, itself. Since we’d arrived in late fall, the changing leaves made the forest come alive with yellows, oranges, and vibrant reds to juxtapose the natural greens. As an additional and well loved addition, this trail also contrasts the natural surroundings with a picturesque foot bridge on the way to the Bagby Hot Springs.
The Baths
Once visitors arrive at the Bagby Hot Springs, there are choices to be made. There are several options for baths at the hot springs, and the size of your group will determine where you should go.
Private Tubs
Immediately to your left when hiking in, private baths are situated in a row of rooms that are best suited for oneor two people. Massive eight-foot long sections of forest timber makes up the tub, ensuring a unique bathing experience. A spigot above each tub allows hot water to fill the wooden basin with piping hot water. To make the temperature perfect for your individual liking, buckets can be found and filled from a cold stream nearby.
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Public Deck Tubs
Behind the log tubs of the private baths are larger tubs for larger groups. This area is not separated into private rooms and all four tubs are under one roof. Three of the tubs are Japanese style soaking tubs which can hold two or three adults, and the fourth is a large barrel that can hold four or five adults comfortably.
Upper Deck Tub
An additional pool is located up near the old outhouse, and can fit much larger parties. When we arrived there was a South Korean soccer team that was waiting for the large pool that had been waiting for nearly two hours. I’ve heard that this tub can hold around eight people depending on how comfortable you are being super close to each other!
How to Fill the Tubs
Since we were visiting the Bagby Hot Springs with four people, we waited for the largest barrel tub on the Public Deck, which could easily accommodate four to five adults. This tub being so large, it also takes a large amount of time to full it. Since tubs must be drained and scrubbed (up to you, depending on how clean you want to feel) between each bath, we took on the task of filling this Japanese-styled tub 53 minutes before we were even able to get into it.
Be sure to use an old sock underneath the drain to keep it properly plugged. Use the piping leading into the tub to fill it. This alone will take forever, so grab a couple of extra buckets and use the pipping at the end of the Public Deck for more hot water.
The tubs will be insanely hot, especially this high sided one that traps in all the steam. We filled about half our buckets with cold water which can be found underneath the deck in an old bath tub which has water flowing into it from a nearby stream.
The Soaking Rules
Limit Your Soak Time
Signs throughout the Bagby Hot Springs encourage a 45-minute limit when people are waiting, so be prepared to wait on weekends and in the middle of the day. Waiting times aren’t typically long and we found people to be very respectful of the other visitors. However, waiting on a particular tub can take up to two hours as you will be waiting on people to fill them first and then soak for their allotted forty five minutes.
No Public Nudity
AS the Bagby Hot Springs are part of the forestry service, the ask the you remember to bring your towel and a bathing suit, as the Bagby Hot Springs are nudity-free. This is Oregon, however, so don’t be too surprised if some people choose to ignore this rule! If you do wish to soak naked, try the private tubs.
Be Winter Weather Aware
The Bagby Hot Springs are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, relax in a picturesque forest, and soak in the naturally heated waters of the mountain’s belly. The roads in winter, however, can be extremely difficult to traverse in the snow. There is no cell service out here, so don’t get stuck by pushing your luck when snow’s on the ground!
No Alcohol
There is an alcohol ban at the hot springs, so keep this in mind! And as always, remember to please pack out any trash and all clothing items you bring in with you.
Camping
About a quarter mile down the road from the hot springs are some campsites. You can pay $15 for a single occupancy site. There is no camping or overnight parking allowed at the hot springs. The campground is closed after Labor Day until springtime, however.
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