Bagby Hot Springs

Find the village of Estacada, Oregon, and you're on your way to a great experience. This one-time blue collar sawmill town reinvented itself after the mill closed. It's now an artsy gateway town to the Oregon Cascades. Murals around town tell the story.

Diana liked this one about quilting.

There is a fabled sensual treasure hidden near here and we were determined to find it--a unique hot spring to make you forget all others. The way is complicated and not well marked. Locals no doubt hope to discourage the hordes. By asking twice and carefully following instructions, we found the trailhead. The treasured spring is a beautiful 1 1/2 mile hike through an old-growth forest of giant Douglas firs and red cedars.


Trailmakers here have outdone themselves, building what must be one of the best trails in America.


Two major bridges cross minor streams enroute. What do you suppose this bridge cost?


And here it is! Our timing was perfect--for awhile we had it all to ourselves. The tubs are hollowed-out cedar logs. Each has a wooden stopper and an old-fashioned wooden spigot. Tubs are left empty so each user gets a fresh fill of too-hot water. No problem! Just dip a bucket into a large vat of cold water and pour till the temperature is perfect for you.


Need a little privacy? No problem! In the building are five private rooms, each with its own cedar log tub.


The hot water for all these tubs comes from this tiny spring.


A sizable crew of volunteers is responsible for building and maintaining these facilities. Many thanks to them for a memorable experience.