Bagby Hot Springs
Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, United States
Bagby Hot Springs sits deep in Mount Hood National Forest, reached by a 1.5-mile forest walk through old-growth timber alongside the Hot Springs Fork of the…
What it's like here
Bagby Hot Springs sits deep in Mount Hood National Forest, reached by a 1.5-mile forest walk through old-growth timber alongside the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River. At the end of the trail, you'll find hand-built wooden soaking tubs — hollowed cedar logs and rectangular bathhouse structures — fed by open wooden flumes carrying naturally hot water straight from the ground. Temperature control is entirely manual: you adjust the flow, add cold water by bucket, drain and rinse after use. It's communal, rustic and utterly dependent on visitors respecting the place and each other.
The experience is quiet and unusual. The bathhouses are timber-built and open-sided, nestled in the forest without the amenities of a developed resort. Weekends draw crowds; a midweek morning visit can feel nearly empty. The walk in itself is part of the appeal — old-growth forest, moss underfoot, the river as your companion — so a half-day outing works well whether you come solo, as a couple, or with friends.
Bring a bucket-friendly mindset. There's no drinking water, no food, and no staff to manage things. You fill the tubs yourself, cool the water as needed, and leave them clean. A headlamp is worth carrying if you plan to soak into evening. Car break-ins at the trailhead have been a recurring issue, so leave nothing visible in your vehicle.
Forest conditions matter. Snow or washouts can close the access roads — check current conditions with Mount Hood National Forest before driving out. A Northwest Forest Pass or day-use parking fee is required at the trailhead, and a separate soaking fee applies on top. Clothing-optional norms have historically prevailed here, so expect a mixed and open atmosphere.
This isn't a place for those seeking hot tubs with certainty, consistency, or comfort. It's for people who want to soak in naturally heated water surrounded by forest, don't mind the work, and can roll with what the day and weather bring.
Highlights
- Hand-built cedar log soaking tubs fed by natural hot springs through wooden flumes
- Mix of private enclosed tubs and communal bathhouses
- 1.5-mile forest trail walk through old-growth timber and alongside the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River
- Manual temperature adjustment and maintenance — you fill, cool, and drain the tubs yourself
- Seasonal access dependent on forest road conditions
Good to know
A Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee is required for parking at the trailhead, plus a separate soaking fee. The walk in is roughly 1.5 miles each way; bring a headlamp if soaking late. There is no drinking water or food at the springs, and you must fill, cool, and drain the tubs yourself. Car break-ins at the trailhead are a known problem — leave nothing visible. Forest roads can close due to snow or washouts, so check Mount Hood National Forest conditions before you go.
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Questions people ask
How far is the walk to the springs?
Around 1.5 miles each way through forest on a trail alongside the Hot Springs Fork of the Collawash River.
Is there a cost?
Yes. A Northwest Forest Pass or day-use parking fee is required at the trailhead, and a separate soaking fee applies.
Are the tubs private or shared?
There are both private enclosed tubs and communal bathhouses. Availability depends on how busy the springs are at the time.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a bucket (tubs are filled and cooled manually), a headlamp if soaking after dark, and leave valuables behind due to car break-ins at the trailhead.
Attributes & facilities
Facilities
Time
Last verified: September 7, 2026