Best hot springs in Oregon for a hot winter soak: See the list

(This story originally published Nov. 7, 2014)

If there’s a better way to escape the rainy day blues than a dip into the magic waters of Oregon’s hot springs, I’ve yet to experience it.

Geothermal activity creates pools of relaxing glory that are particularly welcome when the temperatures dip and the rain falls across the mountains.

The hot springs in the Beaver State vary considerably. Some are wild outposts with naked hippies running around, others are pricey retreats and some are little known secrets.

To keep hot springs an enjoyable experience, it’s important that visitors not trash them. There’s a disturbing history of people acting poorly at hot springs in Oregon and ruining it for everyone else.

Here’s our round-up of the best hot springs in western Oregon, including five public destinations and four private resorts.

For more information, see books such as “Touring Washington and Oregon Hot Springs” and “Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide to the Area’s Best Backcountry Hot Springs.”

Public hot springs in Oregon

These hot springs are located on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. While generally cheaper than private hot springs, they often have larger crowds on weekends and nudity. In other words, be prepared for an interesting time and consider whether you want to bring children or not.

Bagby Hot Springs

Perhaps the most beloved hot springs in northwest Oregon is reached on a beautiful trail through old-growth forest 40 miles southeast of Estacada.

Bagby Hot Springs was closed for nearly four years after the 2020 pandemic and Labor Day wildfires but finally reopened in spring 2013 under a new contractor with a new vision for the historic site.

Known for its wooden soaking tubs and bathhouses, Bagby has been spruced up and currently has two of its three soaking areas open.

The 16-site campground at the trailhead is also open, along with the Ripplebrook Store, where guests can get supplies, buy a $5 soaking pass or use free internet.

The hike to the hot springs remains the same. From the Bagby Trailhead, the trek is 1.5 miles (3 miles round-trip) and leads to bathhouses and surrounding cabins. As you hike up, steam rises from the ground as the 136-degree hot springs flows down the hill and into tubs that range from hollowed logs to whiskey barrels.

A trip here in winter is tricky. The roads are fairly low elevation but can become covered with snow, and when that happens, it can be very dangerous and the Forest Service advises against…