Terwilliger Hot Springs is one of those places that you hate to tell others about. You like it so much that you want to keep it a secret from the rest of the world.
Simply put, this is a magical spot hidden within this super-natural forest. (I say supernatural not because it is un-natural, but it is the pinnacle of what we would imagine a pristine forest to be. It is that lush forest that we might see on an exotic movie set.
The hot springs are a fantastic place to soak away anxiety and stress that you may have brought with you from the city. It is also a great place to relax after a long hike, mountain bike ride or a day of skiing at Hoodoo.
The hot springs emerge from a small cave (you can climb into it) and flows out into 5 cascading pools. As the water flows down into the lower pools the temperature gets a little cooler.
Directions:
As you pass the reseviour on your left take a moment to enjoy the sweeping veiws. You should see a small shack on the right and a parking area on the left. (Terwilliger Hot Springs is about an hour from Eugene and 90 minutes from Bend)
Park in the lot and walk on the path to the shack. There is a $5 per person day use fee. Pay the fee at the shack. There is usually an attendant there, if not pay anyway. (The fees help maintain the hot spings and the fines for not paying are steep.) You'll continue to walk through the forest for about a 1/4 mile. (No worries - the path is well worn and easy to follow.)
Soaking Etiquette
Clothing is OPTIONAL - so do not make others feel uncomfortable for either wearing - or not wearing a swimsuit. If public nudity bothers you, don't visit these springs.* (You may want to consider asking the Forest Service to institute a no nudity day for those of us who prefer a bit more modesty in public places.)
No glass containers (for obvious reasons) and no alcoholic beverages.
Do not smoke around others - smoking nearby is bothersome for most non-smokers.
Other Hot Springs
*For nice hot springs experience without fear of encountering naked people visit Belknap Hot Springs. It is not far away, it is further east up Hwy 126 between McKenzie Bridge and the Ranger Station. Day use fee $10-15. Hot springs are piped into a swimming pool. Indoor changing rooms.
