Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs flows at 136°F deep in Mount Hood National Forest at 2,272 feet elevation, requiring a 3,720-foot hike from Forest Road 70 to reach water emerging 87 degrees above ambient temperature. The springs sit about 67 miles southeast of Portland in heavily forested Cascade Mountain country just outside the Bull of the Woods Wilderness boundary.
The springs emerge in densely forested terrain along the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River, a tributary to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River system, where Linn County's mountain landscape receives 78 inches of annual precipitation including 163.8 inches of snow. Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar dominate the forest canopy, with understory vegetation thriving in the perpetually moist conditions. Kingfisher Campground occupies riverside terrain 7.8 kilometers distant along the Collawash River.
Visit year-round, though winter brings deep snow requiring snowshoes or skis for the approach. The 1.5-mile trail from the trailhead requires moderate fitness and good footwear for muddy conditions. Weekends see heavy use; arrive early or visit midweek for less crowding. Northwest Forest Pass required for trailhead parking. Kingfisher Campground provides overnight camping with reservable sites. Respect bathhouse etiquette and pack out all trash.
The springs take their name from Robert Bagby, who filed a mining claim on the site in 1881. The thermal features attracted subsequent development including bathhouses, and the Forest Service now maintains rustic hand-hewn log tubs built by volunteers in the 1980s after vandalism destroyed earlier structures. The springs remain popular among hikers and soakers willing to make the approach hike.
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Overview Kingfisher Campground is a diamond in the rough. Its unkempt appearance gives it a true nature feel, yet it offers numerous modern conveniences and is close to a variety of recreational opportunities. It lies next to the scenic Hot Springs Fork of Collawash River, a tributary to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River nearby. Recreation Catch and release fishing for trout is allowed on the main fork of the Collawash, but the streams are closed to fishing. Whitewater rafting and kayaking...
Bagby Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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