Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is located in the Willamette National Forest, about 50 miles east of Eugene, near the Cougar resevoir. Water seeps from the spring at a temperature of 112°F. It flows down a ravine into a series of several progressively cooler rock pools. The bathing area is clothing optional but not the trail or surrounding area.
A small fee is required to enter the area and visitors are limited to a two hour stay. Fees are collected at the trailhead. The trail and space around the soaking pools are designated for day use only. It is normally open from sunrise to sunset but is temporarily closed.
The well managed site has toilets not far from the pools and there is a wooden deck on the hillside above the pools. Fires in recent years have burned much of the forest along the easy 1/4 mile trail to the spring. Only 15 people are allowed to enter the area at a time, which makes this spot exceptionally nice even on the weekends, although visiting on weekdays is suggested. Development is minimal and natural materials were used so Terwilliger Hot Springs provides the prefect clothing free, back to nature experience.
The geothermal spring drains into Rider Creek, then into Cougar Reservoir. The once concrete pools were renovated in 2009 by a group of volunteers. A Eugene-based stonemason named Alan Ash spearheaded the effort. Presumably, the same stonemason donated the rock carving of a cougar situated by the upper pool. The volunteers removed the concrete and built pools using a local rock and natural mortar. Their fine work complements, rather than detracts from this pristine wilderness experience. Many locals refer to the site as Cougar Hot Springs. This part of the Willamette National Forest, around Cougar Reservoir, is known as the Cougar Recreation Area.
Please preserve the experience for you and for future visitors by observing the abiding by the rules. There is no alcohol allowed. No glass is allowed. Be sure to pack out your trash and do your part to clean up after others who may have been less responsible. Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area. Terwilliger Hot Springs seasonally inaccessible. Visit the Willamette National Forest website for information before visiting.
