Cougar Hot Springs, also known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, is located in the heavily forested canyons of central Oregon. The springs are relatively easy to get to, and most Oregon visitors can make an overnight trip to the area. The round trip from Portland is about six hours, and the round trip from Bend is about two hours. Other hot springs near Portland.
Cougar Hot Springs Pictures
(Some of the above photos are courtesy of Alison Catanese Tompkins)
Cougar Hot Springs Near McKenzie Bridge in Oregon
To visit Cougar Hot Springs, you’ll need to drive one and a half hours east of Eugene or two hours west of Bend, Oregon. Both roads will wind through Willamette National Forest until you arrive on the banks of the Cougar Reservoir. From there, you’ll park, pay a $10 cash fee for a 2 hour pass, then hike 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometers) to the hot springs.
There are four cascading pools, ranging in temperature from 85°F (29.4°C) to 112°F (44.4°C) degrees. Because the hotter cools when it cascades down the hillside, the top pool is the hottest while the bottom pool is the coolest (though still warm). The pools are closed by sunset and max out at 50 people, so you’ll want to arrive as early in the day as possible, ideally on a weekday and between April and September.
Seasonal Access Information
Willamette National Forest has rain, snow, and sunshine, making it a fascinating place to visit, so long as you prepare for the weather. The best time to visit Cougar Hot Springs is between April and September when temperatures are mild and there is less rain. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90°F degrees.
However, this forest has many environmental hazards that you should be aware of, including heavy rain, snow and snowmelt, and wildfires. Any of these hazards can create an impassable or dangerous condition for driving or hiking.
- Wildfires (typically June through October): This forest has experienced many forest fires, including three in July and August 2021. Be sure to review the Fire Danger Rating on the Willamette National Forest website and check the federal fire incident website, Inciweb. Even if there are no nearby fires, the air may be smoky.
- Rainy and snowy season (typically November through March): For several hours and up to a few days after heavy rain, there is an increased chance of rock slides or mudslides, which can also cover the hot springs. Stay aware of all landslide risks.
Is Cougar Hot Springs open in winter?
You can also visit the hot springs in the off-season (late fall, winter, and early spring). However, the roads may be closed due to heavy rain or snow, so this time of year is best suited for locals who already know the area and can safely traverse the closed roads to the hot springs.
Driving Directions
Driving to Cougar Hot Springs is straightforward, but you should check for any road closures or detours before your trip.
If you’re traveling from Portland or Eugene, you’ll need to take the Oregon Route 126 East outside Eugene for about 38 miles before turning right (south) on National Forest Route 19, also known as Cougar Dam Road toward Cougar Falls.
If you’re traveling from Bend, you’ll need to take U.S. Route 20 West toward Sisters Salem, which turns into Oregon Route 126 East. Just beyond McKenzie Bridge, you’ll turn left (south) on National Forest Route 19, Cougar Dam Road.
- To Cougar Hot Springs from Eugene, Oregon (1.5 hours and 62 miles)
- To Cougar Hot Springs from Bend, Oregon (2 hours and 95 miles)
- To Cougar Hot Springs from Portland, Oregon (3 hours and 167 miles)
Drive a short distance down National Forest Service Route 19 (Cougar Dam Road) and turn right (west) on Aufderheide Drive. Travel on this road for 5 miles until reaching the hot springs parking area.
How to get there from Blue River: Travel east 4 miles on Highway 126 from Blue River and then take Forest Road 19 AKA Aufderheide Drive 5 miles to the signed Terwilliger Hot Springs parking area. Hike 1/4 mile west on Rider Creek Trail #3319 to Terwilliger Hot Springs.
Cougar Hot Springs Map
View a Map of Hot Springs in Oregon
Hiking Directions
Park at the small lot on Aufderheide Drive, pay the day-use entrance fee, then hike on the well-marked path past Rider Creek on your left for approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometers) until you get to the cascading hot springs pools, which are also well-maintained with rock walls. The trail is almost all flat and should take about 15 minutes.
Accommodations
Though you aren’t permitted to camp near Cougar Hot Springs, many local campgrounds are nearby. You can reserve a site at the closest, Cougar Crossing Campground where half of the campsites are first come first serve and the other half are reservable. Cougar Crossing is open year-round and only five minutes from the hot springs. Cougar Creek costs $15 per night and has limited first-come, first-served sites. A more popular choice only 10 minutes from Cougar Hot Springs is Slide Creek Campground, which costs $18 per night and is only open between April and September. Half of the Slide Creek campsites are reservable and the other half are first come first serve. Other seasonal campgrounds include French Pete Campground and Hard Rock, a group campground.
If you prefer more comfortable or warmer accommodation, you’ll want to stay in the nearby Blue River or McKenzie Bridge.
Amenities
Cougar Hot Springs is in a deep forest, miles from even the local gas station, so plan as if you’ll be off the grid. The nearest amenities are in the tiny unincorporated community of McKenzie Bridge, which is at least 30 to 40 minutes of driving on winding roads. The only gas station is a Chevron, and the closest grocery store is McKenzie General Store, three miles down the road from Chevron. Fuel up and bring food and water.
Visiting Rules and Nudity
Cougar Hot Springs has a strict and enforceable list of behaviors, including no alcohol, no visible nudity from the highway, no camping or visiting overnight, and no pets allowed in the hot springs. In addition, you should always take out your trash, wear sunscreen, sun protection, and drink water to avoid dehydration. What is allowed is nudity. If you are uncomfortable with seeing naked people, we don’t recommend you visit Cougar Hot Springs. Of course, you are always welcome to wear a swimsuit.
Cougar Hot Springs Video
A profile on Terwilliger Hot Springs in Terwilliger, OR.
Terwilliger Hot Springs Music Video
Video series about Cougar hot springs, Oregon. Piano music “Summer Stream” by Bill Pease. The place never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Cougar Hot Springs Soak Stats:
Season: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall (check road conditions during winter due to frequent closures)
Type: Hike
GPS (Hot Springs): 44.08323660495977, -122.23842745217146
GPS (Trailhead): 44.08386856275806, -122.23291283041254
Map Quad: MCKENZIE BRIDGE 15 or Willamette National Forest Map
Elevation: 1,749 feet (533 meters)
Land: Willamette National Forest
Fee: Yes ($7/day or $60/year)
Restrictions: Nighttime closure, only 15 people allowed at the hot springs, max soak time is 2 hours, closed Thursday mornings for cleaning
Usage: High
Visibility: Moderate
Temp: Between 85°F (29.4°C) and 112°F (44.4°C)
Water Clarity: Clear
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: Cougar Falls, Lowder Mountain, McKenzie River, Blue River Lake, Belknap Covered Bridge
Nearby Hot Springs: Belknap Hot Springs (27 miles), Bigelow Hot Springs (31 miles)
Closest Food/Gas: McKenzie Bridge, OR (18 miles)
Trash: Moderate-Low
Bugs: Moderate-High (seasonally)
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: No on-site camping, see above for nearby campgrounds
Dogs: Yes, on a leash (but not allowed in the hot springs pools)
Clothing Optional: Yes
Pit Toilet: Yes, near the hot springs
Instagram #Cougar – Instagram #Terwilliger
Wikipedia
YouTube
I LOVE this hot springs!! I came here with some friends for the weekend – we rented a vacation cabin at nearby McKenzie River mountain Resort. We did some hiking on the surrounding trails and then relaxed the afternoon away each day here at the hot springs. Quite possibly my new favorite place!
Does anyone know how the government shutdown effects access to these hot springs?
really rad place. went in september and watched the sun come up.
Cougar Hot Springs is a place the rainbow Gathering took over for years. Wish I could of been there then!! One of my best friends, bless her soul, April Leper took me here over 30 times, rain, snow, hot, cold, we always had a blast. Sneak, sneak into the springs after dark and watch the stars, climb up into the cave that the hot water comes from and make love. The hot water is running under you as Ice cold water trickles from the top ;of the cave and makes a great rolling around spot., and no I did not mean to go there against the rules and not pay the fee and go with candles up the trail late at night and defy the authority by looking at the stars and moon while sitting and soaking making your skin ever so soft. Like my dad always said, pick up more than you brought in and maybe it will be there the next time you want to go!! Many campgrounds up past the hotsprings. Watch out for the raccoons are getting vicious and I mean seriously. Was waving a long stick light with fire on the end and they were still hissing and jumping at us as they were taking all our food. They kept coming at us. The best we could do was stay in out vehicle and let them take it all. Or make sure u have a pellet gun/bb gun and a couple dogs!!!
Had a blast on Saturday morn. The air and vibe was perfect. The top tub next to the cave was closed and the water was not as warm as I was hoping for. I pretty much spent a good deal of time letting the waterfall hit the back of my neck and pour over me in the second tub cause it was almost warmer then the top tub. All in all clean fun relaxing and blissful. Until the woman came who wanted to talk about her toenail that was turning black and blue and about to fall off. Sheesh really.
FYI, the top pool remains closed http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=22660
Lower pools are good to go!
Hi, I was here today with my husband and daughter and left my sunglass case with my credit card and my daughter’s hat. I was wondering if anyone has found it? If so, please let me know! Or if you happen to know where I could ask, that would be really helpful! Thanks so much!! June
My wife and I went yesterday, all the pools were open, and we had a fantastic time! The scenery on the drive in is amazing, and it only gets better when you’re sitting in the pools! This has been our favorite hot springs so far! I would definitely recommend checking these ones out, and will be sure to go back!
Is this a private place? Like there’s no enforcement or forest people there? How late can you stay?
There is a $6 fee/person I believe. There is a small hut at the beginning of the trail and a fee collector person to greet you. If he isn’t there you will most likely run into him on the way down, as he keeps the place clean. Closes at dusk. Great spring but can get crowded
Is it pet friendly? Do you know where are the pet friendly hot springs in oregon? Thanks
How crowded is it this time of year? March?
How busy is it during the end of april?
Is it possible to take a mobility scooter to get there?
I just went to Cougar hot springs a few days ago and it was amazing! The pools were great and spacious (4-5 can fit per), with the hottest spring at the top with the cooler ones as you walk down the path. The area is very pretty, with the wooded canopy making a nice shaded area – meaning, you don’t need sunscreen!
The people I met were very friendly, and there was a solid mix of nude, half-nude, and clothed people. I would definitely recommend that you go earlier in the morning to avoid the crowd (I left around noon and it started to get packed). The person who maintains the springs cleans it out every Thursday in preparation for the weekend.
To answer the questions above:
– You are supposed to stay sunrise-sunset, but I was told that there was a ‘night crowd’ that come and bring alcohol and trash. Not cool…
– It sounds like it is crowded more in the Spring and Summer, but gets year-round use because of how warm the pools can get.
– The path is wonderful, but not accessible by scooter. It is about a 1/2 mile hike up and around the mountain.
– It is not pet-friendly, at least as far as I know. There is no smoking or glass bottles allowed either.
– As said before, it is $6 per day (you can come back the same day if you want to get lunch). There are 2 small ‘changing’ areas near the springs, for those of us who want to be naked. While there is no true enforcement, it is meant to be nudist-friendly, not sexual.
– They have a toilet above a hole a bit up the path from the springs. It isn’t glamorous, but will do if you need it. My understanding is that the caretaker is trying to upgrade to have a truth bathroom nearby.