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!
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs Reviews
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
Linton Falls
Tamolitch Blue Pool
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy