¶ Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
McKenzie River Ranger District – Willamette National Forest
Enjoy the 1/4-mile hike along the Rider Creek Trail (#3319) to the clothing-optional hot springs. There are four soaking pools spaced apart by rock walls, laid out in steps down a ravine. Temperatures range from 85 °F in the lower pool to 112 °F in the upper pool. The pools are 3–12 feet across and an average of 2–3 feet deep. Pool floors are mostly bedrock with some gravel, sand, and debris.
¶ General Information
- Hours: Day use only — open sunrise to 10 pm
- Season: Open all year; Forest Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in winter
- Amenities: Information kiosk, clothing rack, garbage receptacles
- Restrooms: Vault toilet(s) at parking lot; composting restrooms near hot springs
- Potable water: Available on site; bottled water available for purchase
- Picnic tables: Not available
- Horse/pack animals: Not allowed
¶ Fees
- $12 per person per 2 hours (ages 12 and older)
- Fee area includes hot springs, trail, lagoon, and parking lot
- On-site payment option; no passes honored
- No reservations available
¶ Rules
- No alcohol allowed
- Day use only; no overnight camping at the hot springs
- Camping restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area
- No visible nudity allowed from Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19)
- No pets allowed at the site or in the pools; service animals must be leashed and under control at all times
¶ Contact
- Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
- Phone: (541) 822-3381
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed on federal holidays)
- Email: [email protected]
¶ Getting There
Coordinates: 44.08329, -122.23756
¶ Directions
From Highway 126: From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19). Continue south on Aufderheide Drive, taking a right at the Y to the top of Cougar Reservoir. Continue south for 5 miles to the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking lot.
From Highway 58: Take Westfir Road across from the Middle Fork Ranger Station and turn left at the stop sign. Continue to the red covered bridge, go past the bridge, and the road becomes Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19). Continue on Aufderheide Scenic Byway for about 50 miles to the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking lot.
¶ Parking
Parking is limited. Do not double park within the parking lot or park along Forest Road 19, as this creates hazardous conditions. RVs, buses, and vehicles with trailers should park at the pull-out near Forest Road 1985/1986 or at the Cougar Crossing Day Use Area.
¶ Winter Travel
Road conditions may change rapidly. Use caution when traveling on Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19) in winter — this road is not maintained for snow and ice.
¶ Photos
Imported from https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation/terwilliger-cougar-hot-springs.