The Willamette Valley & Wine Country - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 494

IN HOT WATER
A couple hours' drive east of Salem is one of Oregon's best soaks - Bagby Hot
Springs ( www.bagbyhotsprings.org ) . You'll need to hike 1.5 miles through lush forest to
reach these clothing-optional springs, but then you'll be rewarded with rustic
private bathhouses and hollowed-log tubs. Be prepared to wait your turn on week-
ends. A $5 per-person fee is collected by an attendant near the trailhead.
To get to Bagby from Estacada, head 26 miles south on Hwy 224. This road turns
into Forest Rd 46; keep going straight for 3.5 more miles, then turn right onto
Forest Rd 63 and go 3.6 miles to USFS Rd 70. Turn right again and go about 6 miles
to the parking area.
There's another good soak at Terwilliger Hot Springs (aka Cougar Hot Springs;,
about 40 miles east of Eugene), a beautiful cluster of terraced outdoor pools
framed by large rocks. They're rustic but well maintained, with the hottest on top.
Clothing is optional, no alcohol is allowed and it's day-use only. From the parking
lot, you'll have to walk a quarter-mile to the springs. There's a fee of $6 per person.
To get here, turn south onto Aufderheide Scenic Byway from Hwy 126 and drive 7.5
miles.
For a more developed soaking experience there's Breitenbush Hot Springs (
503-854-7174; www.breitenbush.com ) , located east of Salem off Hwy 46, just past the town
of Detroit. This peaceful retreat offers beautiful hot springs, along with massages,
yoga, vegetarian food and simple lodgings. Day-use fees range from $15 to $28 per
adult and require reservations. Call or check the website for directions.
Festivals & Events
Oregon State Fair CARNIVAL
( www.oregonstatefair.org ; Aug) Salem's biggest party of the year; held at the fairgrounds
and Expo Center for the 10 days prior to Labor Day.
Salem Art Fair & Festival ART
( www.salemart.org/?page_id=130 ; 3rd weekend Jul) Over 200 artists from around the
country bring their work to the state's largest juried art show, held at Bush Pasture Park.
Sleeping & Eating
Salem offers all the usual chain motels and hotels.