Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
Lane County, Oregon
Details
Distance
0.9 miles
Elevation Gain
249 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Elliott Kramer
Soak in beautiful, natural Terwilliger Hot Springs aka Cougar Hot Springs. Pools have multiple temperatures making this family friendly. Fee: $6 per person - cash only.
Soaking in Terwilliger (otherwise known as "Cougar") hot springs is a great way to relax and wind back while exploring the Cascades. A spring flows from a small cave and cascades into multiple pools leading down a small gully, creating pools which have varying temperatures from hot (closer to the springs) to warm (the bottom pool).
Terwilliger hot springs are easily accessed - turn off highway 126 between Blue River and the junction with Highway 242 on Cougar Dam Rd. Turn right at the Y intersection onto Aufderheide Drive and follow for 5 miles to the parking lot.
From the parking lot, cross back across the road going across the lake and head toward the trailhead. From here there is an easy 1/4mile trail to the springs.
Nudity is allowed at Cougar - so don't expect any less! It can be an awesome way to experience the springs, so don't be modest! To cool off between soaks there is also a cool stream that is about 50m further on from the springs - look for the track headed off into the forest on the other side of the pools and follow it.
Terwilliger can get quite busy so expect at least a few people there while you soak - head in midweek to get the best experience!
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Reviews
pretty well explained. Like everyone else stated, there are naked people, but there are also at least half that wear their swimsuits. We brought children here and they are usually amused by the naked who seem to be peacocking themselves, however our kids have quite a bit of experience with hot springs so nudity no longer surprises them. If you can get a rare time when the weather is cool and the place is uncrowded, it is truly an oasis. pools range from almost unbearable to luke warm and every temp in between so finding your perfect is easy.
4.0
Went last last week of September . This place in recent years has survived the collapse of the cave where the springs emitted. A giant boulder that landed in the upper pool and most recently a forest fire. I was scared that all was lost, however I found a beautiful oasis. Cleaned every Thursday Am and closed. at that time and open otherwise dawn to dusk. Do not leave car in lot after dark the ticket is over 200 dollarPrice is 7 dollars and ok to be Nude on hike to springs. The attendants will let each person know as they enter that it is a clothing optional environment. Other names for clothing optional are naturism or Europe it’s called FKK. It is absolutely ok to bring families and for folks of all ages to be Nude. Etiquette of no photography has always been the norm with each visit. I have gone for almost 20 years and have not had a bad experience except when a ton of awkward college student showed up. No shaming allowed
5.0
This is a fun day trip from Eugene. There is a $5 entrance fee which must be paid with cash. The scenery is gorgeous. Clothing is optional at the springs, so if you tend to be uncomfortable with that... I would steer clear of this spot. There are no facilities there, just a small covered area for towels and bags. I would not bring anything of value because there are no lockers.
4.0
Make sure you're comfortable with the presence of naked people, because they will SURE be comfortable with themselves
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Belknap Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs
Substitute Point via Foley Ridge Trail
Proxy Falls
Hike to Linton Falls
Tamolitch Blue Pool
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