Profile

Terwilliger Hot Springs: Nature’s Ultimate Jacuzzi 💦🌲

Tucked away in the lush Willamette National Forest near Blue River, Oregon, Terwilliger Hot Springs (aka Cougar Hot Springs) is where Mother Nature decided to spoil us with the perfect soaking spot. Picture a series of steamy, mineral-rich pools cascading down a forested hillside, surrounded by towering old-growth trees and the soothing sounds of a nearby creek. Yeah, it’s basically a spa retreat—except way cooler because it’s all natural.

Why You Should Definitely Soak Here

♨️ Six Tiers of Soaking Bliss – The pools range from “pleasantly toasty” to “whoa, that’s hot!” so you can pick your perfect temperature. Bonus: The higher up you go, the hotter the water gets.

🌲 Ultimate Forest Vibes – Sitting in a hot spring surrounded by towering fir trees and ferns? It’s like stepping into a nature documentary—except you’re the main character.

🎨 Au Naturel is the Norm – Clothing is optional, so don’t be surprised if some visitors embrace the bare necessities. Whether you go in a swimsuit or birthday suit, it’s all about relaxing judgment-free.

🚶 Easy Peasy Access – A short, scenic half-mile walk from the parking lot gets you to the springs, so no need for an intense hike—just a little warm-up before your real warm-up.

🌦️ Great Year-Round – Rain? Steamier vibes. Snow? Magical. Summer? Perfect post-adventure cool-down. No bad seasons here.

💰 Cheap Thrills – At just a small day-use fee, it’s one of the best budget-friendly ways to unwind in the Pacific Northwest.

A Few Pro Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

🕒 Go early or late to avoid peak crowds (weekends can get busy!).
🎒 Bring water & snacks—hydration is key when you’re soaking for a while.
🚫 Leave no trace—keep it beautiful for the next visitors!

If you’re looking for a natural hot tub with unbeatable scenery, Terwilliger Hot Springs is calling your name. So grab your towel (or don’t—totally your call) and get ready to soak your stress away! 🌿💦✨

Other Details

Pass – $12 per person, per 2 hours (ages 12 and older)

Fee area includes hot springs, trail, lagoon, and parking lot. On site payment option.

Directions (No postal address):

FROM HIGHWAY 126: From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19). Continue on south Aufderheide Drive, taking a right at the Y to the top of Cougar Reservoir. Continue south on Aufderheide Drive for 5 miles to 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 until you reach the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking lot.

Operational Hours:

Day use only. Closed sundown to sunrise (strictly enforced). Closed Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 12 noon for cleaning.

Open Season:

Year Round, but Forest Service Rd 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in the winter.

Reservations:

First come, first serve. Up to 50 people are allowed in at a time with a 2 hour limit. Now currently 50 people, 2 hour soak time & no dogs (exception service animals)

Parking:

The parking area is approximately 300 yards away from the entry station for the hotsprings and the Rider Creek Trail #3319 continues west another 1/4 mile to Terwilliger Hot Springs.

Parking lot capacity is limited and parking with any portion of a vehicle on the paved surface of Forest Road 19 is prohibited.

Accessibility:

The .25 mile long trail to the hotsprings is composed of densely packed gravel and soil and is not maintained for wheelchair access. The trail is generally low gradient, however in a few areas there are short, steeper grades that may be difficult for people with mobility limitations. During the winter, snow and ice accumulations may make the trail particularly difficult. Narrow rock steps lead to the pools and are not wheelchair accessible and may pose a challenge for someone with mobility limitations.

Restrictions:

No alcohol
No visible nudity is allowed from Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19)
Day use only
Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area
No pets are allowed at the site/hot springs. Service animals are still allowed and must be leashed and under control at all times. At no time should pets be in the pools.