Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
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 degrees Fahrenheit in the lower pool to 112 degrees Fahrenheit in the upper pool. The pools are 3-12 feet across and an average of 2-3 feet deep. The pool floors are mostly bedrock but some gravel, sand and debris remain at the bottom of the pool.
Please preserve the experience for you and other visitors by observing the following: There is no alcohol allowed, the hot springs are for day use only and camping is restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area.
Parking is limited at this location. Please do not double park vehicles within the parking lot or park along Forest Service Road 19; this creates hazardous conditions for other drivers and pedestrians. If you have a RV, bus, or vehicle with a trailer, please park at the pull out along the road near Forest Service Road 1985/1986 or in the Cougar Crossing Day Use Area.
Terwilliger Hot Springs Photo Gallery
Active Alerts
Reservations
No reservations available
General Information
Information kiosk, clothing rack, and garbage receptacles
Close to:
Open all year, but Forest Service Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in the winter
- Day use only
- Closed sundown to sunrise (strictly enforced)
- Closed Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for cleaning
No passes honored
- 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.
- 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
Address: 57600 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Phone: (541) 822-3381
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
Road conditions may change rapidly and visitors should use caution when traveling on Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19) in the winter. This road is not maintained for snow and ice.
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.
Parking
Parking is limited at this location. Please do not double park vehicles within the parking lot or park along Forest Service Road 19; this creates hazardous conditions for other drivers and pedestrians. If you have a RV, bus, or vehicle with a trailer, please park at the pull out along the road near Forest Service Road 1985/1986 or in the Cougar Crossing Day Use Area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Bottled water available for purchase
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
