Changes are coming...no more nudes and concessionaires.
http://www.nwforests.org/index.htm
Bagby Hot Springs UPDATE
NFC has been working with the US Forest Service to repair the bathhouses, both with labor and with consulting. The bathhouses have had numerous years of vandalism and lack of maintenance. The repairs are significant. Some of the changes are against NFC's advice. Much of the work is to prepare for the possible management of the hot spring by a concessionaire soon.
Additionally nudity was banned in July. This is a big change so be prepared with a bathing suit, several people have already been ticketed. Many national nudist organizations are working with the US Forest Service to reach a compromise.
Austin Hot Springs Preservation...
Austin Hot Springs is a private land holding of about 152 acres, surrounded by Mt Hood National Forest. Once a private park operated by Portland General Electric, it is now an unmanaged area, that gets extensive use by trespassers. Without management, the property has seen much abuse. Their has been soil compaction along the river, uncontrolled use, and dumping of trash. Unmanaged use has lead to serious injuries and even death.
A local company formed to purchase the Austin Property and manage it, was formed in 2008. Austin Preservation, Inc. has partnered with NFC to provide a long term management of the property. The goal of Northwest Forest Conservancy and Austin Preservation, Inc. is to protect the property and the public. This will be accomplished with development of the property and hot springs that is done with sustainability and safety in mind. Planned sustainable development include an off-street parking area, day use area, camping area, and safe hot springs use. Please help NFC realize this goal by making a tax-deductible donation today!
What is meant by "additional nudity"? You mean you need a bathing suit for the tubs or just to wander around the grounds? Boy, a big part of me hates the idea of Bagby being run by a concessionaire. Next thing you know it will be $20 to go for a soak.
Maybe that's what is necessary in this day and age but it depresses me.
pete
Looks like trouble in paradise.
One of the crummiest experiences as a FS volunteer I had was picking up trash from under and around the bath house.
There has been much allowed to fall apart inspite of best intentions. Groups sometime take on more than they can handle.
Donovan
Bagby has been left to run out of control for far too long. I'm sorry to say that it needs some sort of enforcement and crowd control. Austin too.
The FS made a troublesome area more accessible without the law enforcement to back it up. Wide trails, good roads and parking. It's what you're gonna get. Humans are being drowned by humanity. How to convince someone to pick up their $#@%$)#%# garbage? And yet the district is mired in it.
"Sir, please don't eat that. It's your own poo after all"
I dunno. I strongly dislike laws etc. but what else can be done? Party up dude. And be sure to leave your burned out car next to ancient forest, wouldja? Thanks thanks.