Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, are geothermal pools in the Willamette National Forest in the U.S. state of Oregon, 53 miles (85 km) east of Eugene. The springs drain into Rider Creek, which in turn drains into Cougar Reservoir. They are about a quarter mile from Forest Service Road 19, also known as Aufderheide Memorial Drive. The hot springs are managed by American Land & Leisure.Add Cougar Hot Springs to your Blue River travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Blue River journey maker tool.
Visitors over the years built up four pools out of river stones. The pools' sizes range from 3 to 12 feet (0.9 to 3.7 m) across and 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) deep. The water source is above the topmost pool where the spring flows from a rock face at approximately 112 °F (44 °C). The pools are on a hillside and cascade from one to the next so that each pool step lower is cooler than the one above it. The pool floors are mostly bedrock but some gravel, sand and debris remain at the bottom of the pools. The pools are closed Thursday mornings for weekly cleaning by the concessionaire.
The pools were renovated in 2009. A group of volunteers, led by a Eugene-based stonemason, removed concrete and built pools using a natural mortar. The new walls will be more stable and easier for volunteers to clean. The renovated pools, the construction of which cost an estimated $40,000, are expected to last for generations.
Access to the springs is subject to a fee. Since 2012, the rates have been $6 per person per day or $60 per person for a seasonal pass to visit. Clothing in the bathing areas is optional, and access is permitted for day use only. Pets are not allowed at the pools, but there is a designated area before the pools where pets can be tied up.
On December 21, 2017 a landslide blocked the road that provides access to the hot springs from the north. The road will be closed indefinitely. At the time, southern access was blocked by winter road conditions and construction, making the hot springs inaccessible to the public.
On August 19, 2018 a fire was reported in the area near Terwilliger Hot Springs. The fire damaged the trail to the springs and the surrounding area. The hot springs were re-opened on July 1, 2019.
Source
Cougar Hot Springs reviews
-
The best soak ever. Not much "commercialism" to this one! Pretty small and they monitor # of people. Top pool was 111 the day we where there. Only 3 small pools really. Great setting!
The best soak ever. Not much "commercialism" to this one! Pretty small and they monitor # of people. Top pool was 111 the day we where there. Only 3 small pools really. Great setting! more »
-
A really special and unique place in the Oregon mountains. Make sure to verify roads and springs are open for use before you go and bring cash in small bills to pay the entry fee. If the attendant...
A really special and unique place in the Oregon mountains. Make sure to verify roads and springs are open for use before you go and bring cash in small bills to pay the entry fee. If the attendant... more »
-
Even with the 2 lowest pools needing repair. Still worth the extra drive around the lake to enjoy this lovely peice of earth. Construction is working hard to repair the main road from fire/landslide. Hoping to have it open by summer. Sad to see the damage from the fires. But a joy to see that the pools were mostly untouched. The springs are limited to 15 people at a time. $7 per person for 2 hour soak time.
-
Wonderful two hours spent soaking in the natural hot springs! The top pool is the hottest around 112 degrees. The pools cool off as you move down. Four pools total. Capacity is 50 people and they charge 7.00 for two hours. Not bad at all! Clothing is optional so if you are weirded out by that just breathe! Just human bodies! Everyone was so wonderful and the surroundings so beautiful!
Plan your trip to Blue River
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Blue River
Trips in Cougar Hot Springs by other users
22 days in Eugene, Cascades & Coast
BY A USER FROM GERMANY
McKenzie Bridge
Florence
Eugene
28 days in Napa Valley, Eugene, Cascades & Coast & Portland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Napa
Florence
Eugene
14 days in Detroit
BY A USER FROM RUSSIA
Molalla River Corridor
Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch
Marquam Meadows Fruit Company
15 days in Central Oregon
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Bend
Madras
Terrebonne
25 days in United States
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Sisters
Bend
Crater Lake National Park
5 days in Glenwood Springs & Blue River
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Glenwood Springs
Blue River