The trail to Bagby Hot Springs weaves through towering old-growth trees alongside a rushing river, crosses a log bridge, then crests at a weathered cabin and a cluster of cedar soaking tubs.
In this small pocket of the Mount Hood National Forest, mineral water burbles from the earth as it has since time immemorial. Steam rises, mixing with forest mist, and mingles with the musky scent of damp soil, moss and mushrooms. The early rays of sunrise filter through the towering Douglas firs, illuminating hemlock saplings sprouting from soggy nurse logs. Birdsong warbles just above the distant rush of the river below.
In these moments, the place feels almost untouched — like it exists outside of time…