Bagby Hot Springs (136F)

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords:
Hot Spring Site: 44.935486N, 122.173423W
Campground Parking: 44.954251N, 122.174678W
Alt Parking @ Spur trail: 44.946981N, 122.174678

Long one of the favorite hot springs for those from the Portland area, my two visit have, unfortunately been in bad weather which took a damper off the otherwise beautiful hike (though not the soak in the community nude wooden tub.

Driving Instructions: Bagby Hot Springs is 61.2 miles southeast of Oregon City. From the intersection of I-205 (Exit 9) and Highway 99E in Oregon city, head NE on I-205 to Exit 12, the exit for the town of Estacada and for Highways 224 and 212, drive to the point where they split, 3.2 miles. Take the right fork at this split, Highway 224, to its intersection with Highway 211 in Estacada, 15.4 miles. Stay straight on Highway 224 and continue to where it ends at its junction with Forest Roads 57 an 46, 25.7 miles. bear right onto Forest Road 70, 3.7 miles. Turn right and go to the Bagby Hot Springs turnoff, 6.0 miles. Turn left and drive to parking, less than 0.1 miles. Vandalism and car theft continues to be a problem at Bagby. Just a little bit further up the road from the campgrounds is an area where you can park on the side of the road and hike a spur trail down to meet with the main train.

Hiking Instructions: Hike to the springs on a well-maintained and pleasant trail, 1.4 miles. During the winter, the trail can be quite difficult. Some of the hills become icy, so be sure to wear a pair of good trail shoes. The trail follows the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River through old-growth forest dominated by Douglas fir. Side Note: There are swimable spots along the way, particularly at the 0.4 and 1.2 mile points, but they are really too cold.