The Travel Log

Just twenty-six miles outside of Estacada, Oregon, in the Mt. Hood national forest, I make a stop at an unusual store. Inside are souvenirs, snacks and drinks, and pamphlets with maps of the trails and attractions nearby. After speaking with the ranger at the counter, I purchase a wrist band for $5 and head out to a lesser known treasure called "Bagby Hot Springs."

At Ripplebrook, the road forks and I stay to the right. I spot a small sign and hang a right onto a paved road marked 63, and right again onto 70. Six miles further on the left is the trailhead and I park under an ancient forest of Cedars and Douglas Firs.

After crossing a beautifully made foot-bridge over Nohorn Creek, I cannot help but enjoy the scenery. Enormous trees with hanging moss and dense undergrowth lining the well-maintained trail.

Continuing up the easy path paralleling the creek for a mile-and-a-half, I reach a steep incline near the bath houses (an elevation change of 200ft). I catch my breath at the top as well as my first sight of the hot springs.

Steam rises from the earth not far from the trail, a system of wooden pipes carrying the 138 degree water to five private rooms and an annex with five wooden group-tubs below. There is an unused log cabin that once housed a ranger station, and to the right of that is a separate group-tub.

If I had planned ahead, I would have brought a swimsuit and towel, but I didn't, so I waited for one of the private tubs to open up (clothing is optional). I could hear music softly playing in one of the private rooms, and a couple chatting about their day in another.

After a time, a room became available. To my surprise, a Cedar log had been carved-out to make the eight-foot-long bathtub. There are signs explaining that the scrub brushes are for the tub when finished, and that the bucket supplied is for ice-cold water from the vat outside.

I pull a wooden cork from the pipe system and water begins pouring into the tub. I hurry out to dip the bucket into the vat and five trips later the water is at the perfect temperature to hop in and enjoy.

The sun began to dip low in the sky by now, dropping behind the trees as I lay in a hollowed-out log with initials and declarations of love carved into the sides. Later, I learn that the springs are open all night and that many people like to camp nearby to make full use of the facilities.

Relaxed and at peace, I hike back to the car in time to enjoy the gorgeous sunset on the drive home.