3 Ways To Find Wellness In Mt. Hood Territory

With digital detoxes and nervous system resets growing in popularity, Mt. Hood Territory is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a restorative escape. The peaceful forests, soothing rivers and fresh mountain air of the Pacific Northwest lend themselves beautifully to a wellness getaway. Prepare to indulge in some serious self-care with these antidotes to the daily grind.

Just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood is home to several lodging properties with saunas. Choose from a Nordic spa on a mountain farm (say hello to the adorable resident Highland cows while you’re there); alternate between the sauna, pool and hot tub at Collins Lake Resort in Government Camp; or unwind in your own private sauna at a cozy cabin or vacation rental.

Meanwhile, Bagby Hot Springs gives “forest bathing” a new meaning. Melt your stress away at these natural hot springs in a rustic cedar log tub surrounded by majestic towering firs. 

Know Before You Go

• You’ll earn your soak — there’s a roughly 1.5-mile easy hiking trail to get to the springs (3 miles round trip).
• The site is not maintained during the snowy months, and the area has no cell service.
• The hot springs are first come, first served — be prepared to wait in line, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to the city, SaunaGlo offers a Nordic community sauna and cold contrast lounge in Milwaukie. Relish an oxygen-rich steam bath and enjoy the refreshing rainwater shower, water pail dump bucket and cedar barrel cold plunge tank, then unwind in the botanical lounge with a snack or beverage. SaunaGlo and nearby Koti Sauna both offer accessible facilities for people who use wheelchairs.

Soak Box in nearby Wilsonville is a boutique spa offering wellness services including infrared sauna and cold plunge sessions. Reboot your mind with a saltwater float, a modified sensory deprivation experience where you’ll literally float in a private saltwater bath. The session begins with soothing music and lights are optional. 

Get a massage in Oregon City at Thrive Wellness Center, or opt for other services like acupuncture or somatic and reiki healing.

With over 1,000 miles of trails, Mt. Hood Territory has something for every hiker. If you're seeking a quiet trek away from crowds, you'll appreciate this map of lesser-used hiking trails.

Delight in the misty, mossy magic of the forest at Camp Colton. Here you’ll find a variety of workshops and nature programs, plus cabins, yurts and camping sites. This sanctuary offers 85 prime acres for forest bathing and getting in tune with nature’s rhythm.

In the summer, unique yoga experiences pop up throughout the area. Find your flow at the water’s edge then finish up with a peaceful paddle on the Willamette River, make new fuzzy friends at Goat Yoga, or breathe in the fragrance of lavender or dahlias at yoga in a flower field (just to name a few options!) 

Animal therapy is a special way to rejuvenate the soul. Each year from May–September, Frog Pond Farm in Wilsonville offers guided llama walks. Bask in the pastoral setting with a one-mile walk and learn llama handling 101. It’s a hands-on, relaxing way to connect with nature. Pro Tip: Be sure to reserve your walk in advance.

Nourish your body and soul with ingredients sourced right from our local soils. If you're looking to pair your wellness journey with an eco-conscious meal, explore our guide to sustainable dining in Lake Oswego, where organic items top menus. Similarly, fresh, mindful eating is the priority at these farm-to-table dining experiences in the Willamette Valley countryside. Think custom cooking classes on an idyllic farm and an organic grocer that offers seasonal farm dinners. You'll find the area teeming with flower fields, farm stands and u-pick produce.