Wilhoit Spring, Molalla, OR 97038

Bagby Hot Springs is Oregon's most well-known hot springs and it's less than an hours drive from Estacada. Bagby Hot springs are surrounded by Mount Hood National Forest. The 1.5-mile trek (stroll), takes you to the hot springs' three options.
The Private Deck offers the first option for soaking. This deck houses five hollowed-out logs. Each log is enclosed in a separate room. To allow for views of the sky and dry your belongings, the Private Deck is partially covered. The Private Deck is currently closed due to a renovation project. It will reopen in Summer 2019.
The Public Deck offers the second option, with three hollowed-out log bathtubs that were rescued from the 1979 fire as well as one tub made of whiskey barrel style.
The Friends of Bagby constructed the Upper Deck. It is located just a few steps from the Public Deck. This deck also houses a whiskey barrel soaking bath tub that can accommodate around eight people. Bagby Hot Springs offers both the Upper Deck and Public Decks as a communal, communal soak.
$5.00 per person for the Soaking Fee - Bagby wristbands may be purchased at the Ripplebrook Guardian Station with cash or a credit card. You can just soak, and there is no parking fee.
Alcohol Ban
2002 saw the Forest Service ban alcohol from hot springs. Please be respectful and make sure you always bring out what is in your bag!
For backpackers, car camping is possible at the Bagby Hot Springs trailhead. It is just quarter mile away from the Hot Springs at Shower Creek Campground. You cannot camp along the trail, or at the hotsprings.
Season
The campground closes after Labor Day, and may reopen in May or April, depending on the weather.
Camping Fees
Single sites available at $15/night or double occupancy sites at $24/night.
Nearby attractions are Shower Creek Falls (6 miles from Shower Creek, CG) and Silver King Lake (6 mile).
Bob Bagby was a prospector and hunter who discovered the hot springs in 1880. We don't know much about what happened between 1880 and 1913 when Phil Putz from the Forest Service Guard constructed the cabin that is still there today. The facilities were expanded in the 1920s to house a small fire team. In 1974, a new guardhouse was built.
The Friends of Bagby was a volunteer group that designed and constructed the current bathing areas at Bagby. After Babgy became a private entity, the Forest Service managed the upkeep of the hot springs. Visit the Forest Service website to learn more.
The Forest Service is not responsible for maintaining roads and trails around Bagby in the winter season. It strongly discourages people from trying to reach hot springs when there is snow. Multiple soak seekers get stuck each year, and the Sherif is called for assistance.
Bagby is not covered by cell phones so visitors who plan to visit during winter are advised to call or stop by Ripplebrook Guard Station to get help before they attempt to reach the trailhead.
Driving Directions
Bagby, Oregon's most well-known hot springs destination, is often used. All of your possessions and trash must be removed. This special place deserves all of our help. The Forest Service offers a guide for outdoor safety that hot springers need to be familiar with. Not only is it illegal to bathe with soap or shampoo, including biodegradable soap and shampoo, but it is also frowned upon. Don't be THAT person.
Season: Spring/Summer, Summer/Fall (access road sometimes closed during winter)
Type: Hike (1.4 miles Bagby Hot Springs Trail #544)
GPS: 44.936 122.173
Map Quad: BATTLEAX 15 (or Mount Hood National ForestMap).
Elevation: 2,250 ft
Land: Public Page (Picnic Site).
Fee: Yes - $5 per person. Soaking wristbands can also be purchased at the Ripplebrook Guardian Station with cash, or credit cards.
Restrictions
Usage: High
Visibility Low
Temp: 102-105
Water Clarity: Semi Clear
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: Shower Creek Falls, Silver King Lake
Closest Food/Gas: Estacada
Trash: High
Moderate Bugs
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: Campsites are available at a trailhead/parking location. You can also backpack camp past hot springs or other NF campgrounds.
Clothing optional: Only in private bathrooms
Yes. Pit toilet