Bagby Hot Springs
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this destination:
- Bagby Hot Springs Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Latitude: 44.93496
- Longitude: -122.17224
- Maps: Portland Hikers Maps Google Earth
- Elevation: 2272 feet
Contents |
Description
What can we say about Bagby? It's a natural wonder complimented by incredible rustic architecture. At the same time, Bagby has developed a reputation as a trouble spot that is at least partially deserved.
Native Americans used Bagby for centuries. Legend has it that the springs had healing powers and all weapons had to be left some distance away, so the various tribes could share the healing power. The first European to visit the springs was Robert Bagby. Opinion differs on the exact year, but it was sometime in the late 1870s or early 1880s. Early in the 20th century, a bathhouse was built with five round cedar tubs. This bathhouse tragically burned in 1979, and two of the original tubs were lost in the blaze.
Today, Bagby is managed by the Forest Service is cooperation with a volunteer group known as the Friends of Bagby. There are three bathhouses. The largest tub is the "Community Tub", which holds 6-8 people. Clothing is optional at Bagby, so don't be surprised to people comfortably, publicly nude. For those seeking a more private atmosphere, the "New" bathhouse has five semi-private stalls, each with a tub carved from a log in a style reminiscent of Indian dugout canoes. These tubs are about 10 feet long and are comfortable for a couple. Visitors typically hang their clothing on pegs and it's possible to see which stalls are occupied by looking at the hanging apparell. The largest tub here is called the "Honeymoon Tub". The "Lower" bathhouse, has the three remaining original tubs and one large tub in an open deck environment.
Bagby is located at an elevation of 2280 feet in the middle of an old growth forest of douglas fir, hemlock and cedar trees. The naturally hot water flows from two springs at approximately 136 degrees. The spring water flows to the tubs in open "pipes" made of hollowed out logs with wooden levers controlling the flow of water. Some of the tubs are also plumbed with cold water and buckets are available to mix cold water from a nearby spring at the other tubs to create a comfortable soaking temperature. The Friends of Bagby ask that visitors don't use soap and that they clean the tubs with the provided brushes. The best visits are during the week and in the winter when there are fewer people. Nudity is common in the tub areas, but it is prohibited in the open areas between the bathhouses.
The darker side of Bagby is result of its overpopularity. Most visitors are cooperative and respectful, but the sheer number of visitors ensures that occasionally a less cooperative group works into the mix. There are occasional reports of violence, but the intervals between violent incidents are measured in years or decades. More commonly, conflicts are limited to people looking to escape our busy, modern world clashing with others bringing some of the world with them. There are occasional problems with loud music and drunkenness. Alcohol is permitted, but drinking by minors is prohibited. Law enforcement agencies visit often and patrol the parking lot very often.
No fires or camping are permitted at the springs, but there is a good camping area about a quarter mile further up the trail. Drinking water should be carried in as there is no potable water at the site.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Bagby Hot Springs
- Bagby Hot Springs hike 10/24/06
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Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Bagby Hot Springs
- Baseball bat attack at Bagby (10/6/06)
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland, by Paul Gerald
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon Second Edition, by William Sullivan, Hike #93
More Links
Contributors
- stevefromdodge (and others)