Elev.: about 2000'
Lat. and Long: 44.936 N, 122.173 W
our hike today : about 5-6 miles RT
Bull of the Woods Wilderness: Forest Pass required.
A last minute finding out of a free day Tuesday, even with rain forecasted everywhere, wanted to get out somewhere. Mary Ann was open to go someplace also, and we finally decided to try Bagby Hot Springs.
She had never been there, and I wanted to explore further on the trail beyond the soaking tub area. And, the recent criminal from there was caught - we hoped for the best...
Directions:
From Portland , take the Estacada/Hwy 224 exit (#12 I think?) from I- 205. Drive east about 3.2 miles where 212/211 and 224 split. Veer right on 224 , continuing on to Estacada. Stay straight on 224 and continue about 25 miles to where it ends at its junction with forest roads 57 and 46 (shortly past Ripple Brook Ranger Station).. Bear right onto Forest Road 46, go 3.6 miles. Watch for sign on left side of road, turning right on Forest Road 63, go 3.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 70 (see another sign for Bagby). Drive about 6 more miles, trail head parking will be on the left. About 75 miles from SE Portland.
Forest Pass required, no fee for tub use.
There was only one other car there when we arrived around 11:00 a.m. We were dressed for downpour , but the rain was light and we headed up the trail. Lots of big old growth Douglas, Cedars and more (Old Grandpa trees I fondly call them) and a lovely creek along this trail. Alot of yellow interspersed with the lush green today
the drive there:
the trail to the hot springs:
.
The bathhouse/tubs and locked ranger buildings are about a mile and half from the TH, only one person there, but we wanted to do some more hiking first. We continued on the trail, which is pretty straight and very easy, gradual climb. We saw several great campsites, many well away from the trail and spacious.
We crossed two small streams, one with a little waterfall.
The trail was wonderfully maintained, thanks to the recent hard work of these guys! :)
After this 1 to 1 1/2 mile further exploration, we decided to turn around and head back to soak and warm up. Only 3 others in the tub area when we were, but by the time we left, around 3-3:30 , more and more were coming up the trail - and, we even had a break in the rain - great timing! Although, we hit several torrential "squalls" on the way home (thanks for driving Mary Ann!)
picnic area near hot tubs
hot tub structure
If you want more info on the soaking tubs and the history of this area, check out Paul Geralds description in his "60 Hikes within 60 miles of Portland" book, or this link with info and photos from Friends of Bagby:
It was a great little getaway, I love this area and didn't want to be be detered by the recent crimes - a rainy mid-week day turned out safe and wonderful for us! (all above photos courtesy of Mary Ann)