Cougar Hot Springs aka Terwilliger: Nature’s Oasis Deep in the Woods

There are some places in the world so enchanting that once you’ve visited, you’d wish to keep their secrets to yourself. Cougar Hot Springs, also known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, is one such hidden gem that promises this special kind of secluded bliss.

Located 55 miles from Eugene, Oregon, in the heart of the stunning Willamette National Forest, Cougar Hot Springs rests near the serene waters of Cougar Reservoir. As you approach, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the reservoir; keep your eyes to the right, and you’ll spot a modest kiosk beside a convenient parking area to the left.

From there, a small entry fee opens the door to nature’s sanctuary. A gentle quarter-mile walk through the lush forest leads you to the springs, with the clear, well-marked path making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. In these woods, every step feels like a retreat from the ordinary and an invitation into pure tranquility.

This hidden forest retreat offers not only mineral-rich hot springs but also a tranquil immersion in lush, dense greenery. Here, you can unwind, releasing stress and anxiety as the natural beauty of the surroundings brings an unparalleled sense of calm and clarity.

The area is dotted with five cascading pools, ranging from 3 to 12 feet across and about 2 to 3 feet deep. Each pool is lined with natural stones, with some pools occasionally featuring small gravel for added comfort. It’s a secluded sanctuary where both body and mind can rejuvenate.

Clothing is optional at these hot springs, though there are some important rules to follow for a safe and comfortable experience. Glass containers, alcohol, and other beverages are not permitted, and smoking is discouraged to maintain a pleasant environment for all visitors.

If you’re bringing a dog, please use the designated pet area a short distance from the springs. The pools are open year-round during daylight hours, though every Thursday from 8 am to 12 pm they close for maintenance.

Keep in mind that weekends and holidays tend to draw larger crowds, so plan accordingly for a more peaceful visit.

Cougar Hot Springs, officially named Terwilliger Hot Springs, has a rich history of use that dates back centuries. Indigenous communities valued the springs for their mineral-rich waters, and they remained a secluded site until the 1860s, when Hiram Terwilliger, one of the first European settlers in the area, discovered them. In 1906, Terwilliger attempted to secure mineral rights but was denied by the Forest Service.

The hot springs remained relatively inaccessible until the construction of Cougar Dam and paved roads in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, connecting the area to nearby Cougar Reservoir. This development transformed the springs from an isolated retreat into a popular destination. By the 1970s and continuing through the 1990s, the site attracted campers for extended stays, often exceeding a thousand visitors during peak summer months.

The increasing crowds at Cougar Hot Springs brought challenges by the 1990s, including noise from night parties, littering, drug dealing, alcohol consumption, and even a murder in 1996.

In response, the Forest Service implemented a fee in 1998, which funded pool maintenance and cleanup. They also introduced restrictions, including a night closure and alcohol ban, and prohibited camping near the site. These measures helped restore a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment for hot spring visitors.

Camping is not allowed at the hot springs. Slide Creek campground is located 3.4 miles south and has 8 RV or tent spots, picnic tables, fire grills, and a paved boat landing.

Delta Campground sits 7.9 miles north.

Alternatively, you can get a hotel or a rental in Eugene.

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