Alert: Full Closure of Aufderheide Drive (FSR 19) – April 2026
If you are planning a trip to Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs this month, you will need to adjust your route. A full closure of Forest Service Road 19 (Aufderheide Drive) is currently in effect to accommodate critical bridge construction.
Closure Details
- Dates: April 1 – April 30, 2026.
- Location: Milepost 55.5, approximately 2.5 miles south of Highway 126 near Rainbow, OR.
- Restriction: The road is closed to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, 24 hours a day.
Impact on Hot Springs Access
This project involves installing a new 61-foot concrete bridge at Deathball Creek to replace a failing section of the road. Because the closure is located between Highway 126 and the springs, the traditional northern access point is completely blocked.
- Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs: While the springs themselves may not be “closed” by the Forest Service, they are inaccessible from the north (Hwy 126 side).
- Other Affected Sites: Access to Slide Creek, Cougar Crossing and several nearby campgrounds is also restricted by this construction.
Looking Ahead
The Forest Service expects to transition to single-lane traffic with potential delays starting in May 2026. If you are looking for a soak in the meantime, consider exploring other Oregon Hot Springs that are not impacted by the Willamette National Forest spring roadwork.
Contact Information
For the latest updates on road conditions or to verify if the project is finishing on schedule, contact the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381.
