Season 6. Hike #8 - Bigelow Hot Springs

Season 6. Hike #8 - Bigelow Hot Springs

Starting Location: Forest Road NF-2654

Point of Interest : Hot Springs, McKenzie River, McKenzie River Trail and Bridge

Distance: 1/4 mile?

Difficulty: easy, but rocky along river

Bathrooms: no

Parking: yes,

EV Chargers: no


This is easy enough to find. A few miles past Belknap Hot Springs on Hwy 126 is Deer Creek Rd, also NF-2654. There is access to the McKenzie River Trail here, and the trail to Bigelow Hot Springs is just off to the left of the trailhead.
The Hot Springs isn't that big, and part of it is under the overhang, but still comfortable for about 6 people. 

When we were there, mid April, the river was high enough to dilute the hot springs, so the temperature was only lukewarm. We decided not to soak. Disappointing.


We did notice at the parking area that there was a rather large footbridge crossing the river, so we decided to try to get there. It turns out that it is part of the McKenzie River Trail.

This whole time, I was wearing slides, because hot springs! The trail to the bridge was wide and flat, covered with gravel, most likely to make installing the bridge easier.
The bridge is huge, and the sides are 6 feet high. There is an informational sign at the end of the bridge, but it seems a bit over kill for just a trail bridge.
The McKenzie River Trail continues along the river on the other side. 

I am thinking that it would be nice to hike the rest of the McKenzie River trail in the future. Much of it seems to follow the river, but the surrounding forest is also beautiful, and the trail seems well maintained.

This day's hike wasn't very long, since we were expecting to soak in a hot spring, but is was fulfilling.

Also, I won a game of Caton later this day.



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