Portland, Bagby, & Multnomah

Ah Winter Struggles. Traveling in the Winter has its pros and cons: There's not many people, but a lot of things are closed. I recently discovered a secret hot spring spot in the Olympic Mountains. I have known of Sul Dul, but I always prefer the less crowded and more natural spots. I spent a few days researching and mapping out the Olympic Hot Springs location because I know I wouldn't have service out there. The day before, I checked the road conditions I would be using- and they were closed. I was so disappointed, but I needed a Plan B. I started to search for natural hot springs and found one near Carson, WA. After further research, Bagby Hot Springs looked much more impressive. The only downside to Bagby is that it is a 5.5 hour drive from Seattle. I decided to commit to Bagby Hot Springs (Mt. Hood area) and head to Portland, OR after work around 7pm to maximize my journey. My youngest brother, Kellen, goes to college in downtown Portland so he hosted me at his apartment with burgers, a comfy couch, and some Workaholics. I brought Mac along on this trip, so he was thrilled when we arrived in Portland to see Kellen.

The next morning, Kellen, Mac, and I woke up around 7am to start our day. Kellen unfortunately had a long day of labs and classes, so Mac and I were planning on venturing out into the wilderness alone. After we dropped Kellen off at school, I made a quick stop at Blue Star Donuts. This gourmet spot far exceeds Voo Doo Donuts and other Portland cliches. I picked up a bourbon maple bacon donut, raspberry basil glazed, and a rosemary and berry old fashioned donut.

Because Bagby was Plan B, I found out that I did not do enough research on its location. The first leg of the trip was to map myself to the Ripplebrook Ranger station to pay for a $5 hot springs ticket and pick up some water and snacks. When I arrived at the location, the store was closed until the weekend...this left me worried because I didn't have anymore service and there was a fork in the road ahead of me. I reviewed some screen shots trying to decipher the location. After a bit of stress, I notice a ranger truck just ahead of me. I asked the man where the hot springs were and he asked if I had a map...I felt like an idiot trying to accomplish this mission. He was kind enough to pull up a mobile map and instruct me on how to get to the springs. Unfortunately, as I continued on into Mt. Hood, the snow started to gather and any signage became harder to see. I was looking for Forest Road 63, I saw a sign for Bagby and turned right. I started to confuse myself and at this point I realized my gas tank was low and only had 100 miles until empty. I started going down roads in hopes of positive signage. After a few U-turns, I went back to the mile post and started to track my mileage. After 9.6 miles on road 63, my car overcame the snow obstacles and I cheered in excitement that I had found the hot spring! For a good 45 minutes I was convinced I would not make it to the springs, I was an amazing region but I was determined to find the hot springs. At the trail head, I gathered water, towels, and Mac together and we went walking for 1.5 miles until we hit the springs.

My eyes instantly blew up, I had never seen something so remote and perfect before. The tubs that were filled with hot spring water were so peaceful and abundant. The fact that there was no one there was completely mind blowing. I instantly started to photograph the land, I came to the realization that this is now my favorite spot in the world. I whipped out my bikini and started to take dunks in the natural water. I encountered two other groups during my time and we were able to share the experience of discovering something so magical together. The other people there were my age, loved my dog, and had been first timers as well. After I relaxed at the springs, I decided to head back to my car before it got dark.

As Mac and I hiked back, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery while watching our step on the icy trail. Once we got back to the car, I finished up my Blue Star Donuts and headed back the way I came. I finally received cellular service in Estacada and decided to head North to Multnomah Falls. Once I arrived at the dark location, I started to search for camp grounds-but unfortunately all of the park were closed for the Winter. I eventually stumbled upon Beacon Rock State Park, which I had stayed at before, and considered making the 40 min trek. I really wanted to catch all of the Oregon waterfalls in the morning so nothing really seemed like a good choice. I eventually headed towards Beacon Rock and decided to spend the night at the Best Western right below the Bridge of the Gods. This Best Western has been so great, they are pet friendly, have a 24/7 coffee bar, and are so accommodating. I wasn't planning on showering and watching TV, but because it is Winter, the rates were so cheap! As much as I wanted to get stuck in Mt. Hood, it is good to only be a few hours away from home.

The next morning I woke fully refreshed in the king sized bed with Mac. I took Mac for a morning stroll along the river gorge while taking some pictures of the early morning atmosphere. Next, I redeemed my breakfast voucher for the restaurant next door and ordered up some biscuits and gravy. I have only been eating fat and sugar for the past three days, I feel so gross, but it all just tastes too satisfying. After a hearty meal I checked out of the hotel and headed back towards Multnomah Falls. Once I got back to the Oregon Scenic Byway, I realized that I had missed all of the curbside falls the night before! I was in awe of the ginormous waterfalls, I stopped at a few along the way and finally wrapped up the trip at Multnomah. These waterfalls are so picture perfect and am excited to share my pictures below! I had a brisk three hour drive back to Seattle, but this was by far one of the most adventurous trips I had been on and I have grown a little closer to Oregon.

#Bagby #BagbyHotSprings #Oregon #WA #RoadTrip #celea #celeamae #CeleaMcInerny #McInerny #Travel #Portland #Waterfall