05/11/2018
Last year many people required assistance from the Sheriff and a tow when they went farther than they should have. In addition, sometimes people park at the junction, blocking the road, and then attempt the 7 mile trek via hiking, snow shoes or skis to the trailhead. This is also not safe as there is no cell phone coverage and people tend to underestimate the difficulty of the journey to the hot springs. We recommend that visitors stop at or call the Ripplebrook Store to check road conditions to ascertain if a trip to Bagby Hot Springs is safe to undertake.
If the road is impassable our concessionaire is not able to access the site to render assistance to visitors, maintain the site, or monitor the area. The Hot Springs receive a lot of use year ‘round and often times people abuse the site due to its remoteness and lack of constant over sight. There are instances of misbehavior during the winter due to this and we depend upon visitors to police themselves so that everyone enjoys themselves. No public nudity is allowed, and we ask that visitors be respectful of others while there. Alcohol is not allowed at the site. Ma*****na use is not allowed on federal land.
In short, when visiting Bagby Hot Springs, visitors should be aware:
The site is not maintained when the roads are inaccessible
There is no cell phone coverage in the area after Estacada
During night time hours, vehicles at the trailhead and structures at the hot springs have been vandalized
Hiking into the site when the roads are impassible is never advised
Only park in designated parking areas
Alcohol and ma*****na are not allowed
Public Nudity is not allowed.
General Bagby Hot Springs Tips
If you park along the road, make sure you are off the fog line; otherwise, you may receive a ticket for obstructing the roadway.
No day-use fee is required to park at the Bagby Trailhead. However, there is a $5.00/person soaking fee that can be paid to the attendant or fee box at the trailhead (cash only). A wristband will be given upon paying the fee that you will need to wear while soaking.
Alternatively, you may purchase wristbands for soaking using a credit card at the Ripplebrook store on the way to the Springs.
As a reminder, alcohol is not permitted at Bagby Hot Springs. Please also pack out your garbage.
Be courteous to other Bagby patrons. If there are others waiting to get into the tubs, please limit your soaking time.
Weather is unpredictable - make sure you are prepared and that someone knows where you are.
History
The springs were discovered in 1880 by an early hunter and prospector named Bob Bagby. Accounts of his discovery differ, but the man and this place are inseparably linked in the history of the upper Clackamas.
In 1913, Phil Putz, a Forest Service Guard, built a cabin that is still present today. A telephone switchboard and small fire crew stayed there during the summer months. They built a barn, dam, shelters, and bathhouse in the 1920’s. All of these facilities have disappeared. In 1974 the Forest Service built a new cabin for the guard. The Friends of Bagby built the current bathing facilities at the hot springs over several years of volunteering.
Communications were switched to Oak Grove in 1940 and recreation use of the Hot Springs increased with the development of the Clackamas Drainage.
For further information contact the Clackamas River Ranger District at 503-630-6861.
Facilities
The main bathhouse contains five tubs in private stalls. These hold up to 200 gallons each and were hewn by hand from single logs. The bathhouse below the main one contains three log tubs and one 6ft round tub in a community setting.
The upper bathhouse contains one 6ft 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.
The Springs
Three major springs and several minor seeps are found at Bagby. The large bathhouse spring flows twenty-four gallons per minute at 138 degrees F.
Chemical analysis by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey of the water indicates the following chemical analysis (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
The other springs produce 15 gallons per minute at 136 degrees and 3 gallons per minute at 120 degrees.
Regulations, Ethics, and Safety
Nudity - Public nudity is not allowed in open areas.
Fee - No day-use fee is required to park at the Bagby Trailhead. However, there is a $5.00/person soaking fee and a regular camping fee of $16/night single or $24/night double site to camp at the Bagby Campground.
Camping - Camping is not permitted at Bagby Hot Springs. However, there are established campsites at the Bagby trailhead (see Bagby Campground recreation site) or hike ¼ mile beyond the Hot Springs and camp at Shower Creek.
No Alcohol - Alcohol is not allowed from the trailhead to and including Shower Creek. This includes the Hot Springs.
Pack it Out - Maintenance of this area is expensive and funds are limited. Help us provide a enjoyable recreation experience for those who follow you. Please pack out your litter.
Roads - Fall, winter and spring are wonderful times to visit Bagby, but come prepared for rain and snow. The springs are occasionally closed due to snow. The roads are not plowed in the winter
