Key Stats for the Bagby Trail - 544
About
It is a short distance to the springs but one should nonetheless take all the precautions prudent for any hike in the woods.
Be prepared for urban problems at the parking lot at the northern trailhead and the springs. Don’t leave anything of value in your car. Break-ins are a regular occurrence. Things have improved significantly due to more on site presence. Please note that if you want to soak in the hot tubs, there is now a fee to do so. For more information on current fees, etc, please see the forest service page here.
It is not uncommon for people to be snowed in or stuck behind downed timber during the Winter. So, bring extra gas, food, and blankets.
Beyond the Springs usage drops off considerably as the trail climbs into the high country in the heart of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. Trail conditions can be challenging in the interior where maintenance is seldom performed. There are large pockets of beautiful old growth to reward you for your efforts to reach this hidden gem.
The road to the southern trailhead is extremely rough – high clearance vehicles only.
The spring indicated near the Whetstone Mountain Trail 546 junction is exceptionally faint and should not be relied upon.
The segment from the Whetstone Trail to the Twin Lakes Trail 573 is very brushy and the footing is poor. Use caution. This area also burned in the recent fires, so route finding may be required.
1Oregon Geographic Names, McArthur, Lewis.
Directions
Northern Trailhead:Travel Hwy 224 thru Estacada to Ripplebrook. Continue thru Ripplebrook and immediately after crossing the river, continue straight on Forest Service road 46. Travel approximately 3.5 miles on road 46. Turn right at the junction with Forest Road 63 – there may be signs indicating the way to Bagby Hot Springs. Stay on road 63 for approximately 3.5 miles and turn right on Forest Road 70. Travel approximately 6 miles on Road 70 to the trailhead which is on the left. It should be pretty well signed. This trailhead gets a lot of activity.
Southern Trailhead:From the city of Detroit on Hwy 22, turn on Forest Road 46. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Forest Service road 4696. Turn left on road 4696. Travel approximately 0.8 miles on road 4696 to road 4697. Turn left on road 4697 and travel approximately 7 increasingly rough and rocky miles to the Beachie Creek Saddle road above the west end of Elk Lake. The trailhead is on the right.
Is this lake as nice to swim and fish in as it looks!?