Cougar Hot Springs | Full Guide Before You Visit

Cougar Hot Springs is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, tucked away in a verdant canyon in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. Also referred to as Terwilliger Hot Springs, this enchanted location is a hot spring lover’s heaven consisting of four tumbling pools situated in a picturesque, forested setting.

We have visited this isolated hot spring twice, the most recent visit being in 2022, and we can attest from personal experience that it is well worth the journey. Nevertheless, there are a few things to know before loading up the car to ensure that your trip to Cougar Hot Springs is one to remember.

It’s a little bit of an adventure getting to Cougar Hot Springs, but that’s all the fun! In addition, we have all the guidance and directions you seek to make sure you don’t get lost.
In order to ensure that you’re ready and make the most of your time at Cougar Hot Springs, and if you’re ready for a little adventure, pick up a pen and write down some of these pointers!
This post will explain how to get to Cougar Hot Springs precisely, as well as what to pack, what to do when you get there, and some insider info you won’t find anyplace else.

Cougar Hot Springs Thermal Pools

The four flowing pools at Cougar Hot Springs are nestled within a densely forested canyon, luring visitors to spend some time relaxing. The natural hot water source feeds the largest and warmest pool, which is located at the top. The temperature ranges from 101-108 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the day. A cougar-shaped rock can be seen if you turn your head towards the small creek that is right next to this pool.

As it empties into the next pool, the water gets a little colder and smaller. The water at Terwilliger is pure and clear, in contrast to some other hot springs in the vicinity. Renovated in 2009, this hot spring is regularly maintained by a community group.
Also this area was severely damaged in the Terwilliger Fire of 2018. There are still potential risks even though the number of damaged trees near the hot springs has decreased. Other risks to be aware of when visiting are falling trees, loose rocks, floods, and flows of debris. Avoid the area if there are strong winds or a lot of rain.

How To Get To Cougar Hot Springs

Situated in the Willamette National Forest, Cougar Hot Springs in Oregon is somewhat remote from any significant urban areas. To get to the hot springs, you only need to hike 0.4 miles from the parking lot.

Comming from the West (Eugene)

You will travel east on Highway 126 from Eugene.

To reach the reservoir, turn onto Cougar Dam Road and head south.

You will need to cross the bridge and take the road that goes east of the reservoir if the road on the west side of the reservoir is closed. You will reach the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking lot by following this, which is primarily an unpaved path.

Coming from the East (Bend)

Travel on Highway 20 over the Santiam Mountain Pass and through the town of Sisters.
After crossing the mountain pass, take Highway 126 south.

Proceed through the McKenzie Bridge small town and take a left on Cougar Dam Road heading south. Carry on to the reservoir.
You will need to cross the bridge and take the road that goes east of the reservoir if the road on the west side of the reservoir is closed.

You will reach the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking lot by following this, which is largely an unpaved path.

Hiking To Cougar Hot Springs

This is a basic largely flat path. Depending on how quickly you walk, it should take you between ten and fifteen minutes. The trail is made of dirt with some roots, and after a rainstorm or at specific times of the year, it may become muddy.

The forest that the path passes through was recently destroyed by a wildfire, but the trees that surrounded the hot spring itself were spared.

Total distance: 0.8 miles
Hike type: out-and-back, meaning the actual hot springs are only 0.4 miles away.
Gain in elevation: 90 feet

Tips When Visiting Cougar Hot Springs

It may get crowded. It’s best to go early in the day if you want to avoid crowds. The best option is to stay close by in a hotel or campground if you want to arrive early or stay late.

To enter, one must pay. At the trailhead, there is a self-pay station where you can drop off cash in an envelope. For those aged ten and up, it costs $7 per individual. Parking passes are not accepted or necessary, such as the National Forest Pass. Every visitor needs to pay. The nominal charge contributes to the ongoing care of these hot springs.

Pet regulations are a little unclear. Two signs at the entrance state different things: “Pets must be leashed, Pets are not allowed past the chain up area”. ” and “No pets other than service animals allowed.”
Typically, the busiest pool is the top one. This pool is the largest, deepest, and warmest due to direct water flow from the source. It is usually the most comfortable warmth for soaking, but since the lower pools are smaller, you might have the pool to yourself if you don’t mind lukewarm water.
When taking pictures, be wary. It’s appropriate to limit your photo taking to the areas of the pools with minimal people because these are clothing-optional hot springs.
Both smoking and drinking alcohol are forbidden. Additionally, the pools do not permit glass containers. When you visit, follow the rules with good manners.
The hot spring is not close to a toilet. There is a 2-stall vault toilet in the parking lot where you can use.
You can change and store your belongings in the outdoor shelter. Plan to change in the vault restroom at the parking lot if you want privacy.
It’s a short walk to get here. Most of the trail is easy and level. Depending on the season, it may get muddy, so dress appropriately.
The cell signal is out. Plan for losing cell service at the hot springs and on the way here
(Tip: get the offline version of Google Maps in advance!).
Take the garbage outside with you. Litter isn’t usually an issue at hot springs, but it hasn’t been at Cougar Hot Springs typically. Please pack out everything you bring in to help maintain it that way.

Best Time To Visit Cougar Hot Springs

All year round, Cougar Hot Springs in Oregon is accessible to the public, and every season offers its own benefits and drawbacks.

Although lovely, summertime can get packed. Plus, it’s not always the most attractive idea to soak in a hot spring during the heat of the summer.
The cold air in the autumn and spring may attract people to visit a hot spring.
Winter is usually a less crowded time to visit Cougar Hot Springs because the weather in this area stays fairly mild and there isn’t much, if any, snowfall.

Camping & Lodging Near Cougar Hot Springs

Loloma Lodge: I sincerely suggest a stay at the neighbouring Loloma Lodge. Pick from standard campsites, riverfront cabins, or glamping tent pads. This gorgeous wooded area is right next to the McKenzie River.
The reservoir is only a 12-minute drive from Loloma. Travelling to Cougar Hot Springs should take approximately fifty minutes if the west side of the forest road remains closed. It should take about 25 minutes in total, assuming the road is open.

Other campsites are in the area; the nearest ones are as follows:

Slide Creek Campsite
French Pete Campsite
Sunnyside Campsite

Despite being a little farther out of the way, these two excellent restaurants are within reach:

McKenzie General Store: Beer garden, pub foods, and burgers

Takoda’s Restaurant offers simple, comforting American cuisine. I have heard great things about their pulled pork sandwich, and their pulled pork potato nachos are delicious! The outdoor seating area is nice on a nice day.

What To Wear for Cougar Hot Springs

Shoes that are simple to put on and take off but are suitable for walking through mud.
My recommendation is that Chacos, or other hiking shoes of a similar style, are a great option because they are easy to put on and take off, waterproof, and suitable for trail walking.
Swimwear, if that’s what makes you feel at ease, although it’s a clothing free place.
Items of clothing that are simple to put on and take off
Dry bag to prevent expensive items from getting wet
Snacks (as long as you don’t forget anything behind!)

Should You Visit Cougar Hot Springs

Absolutely Yes. It’s a beautiful Hot Spring surrounded by a forest, what more can you ask for. It’s the ideal place to relax as long as you get there a little earlier to avoid the crowds.

Be aware that getting here takes some time, in part because the Forest Road on the west side of the reservoir is currently closed and calls for visitors to take a diversion around the body of water that takes more than forty minutes.
It would be best to give yourself one to two hours to soak in addition to the time needed for hiking, changing, and driving.
The hot springs only allow guests to stay for two hours, as stated on the signs at the trailhead. This is done in an attempt to thin out the crowds, as only 50 people are permitted at a time.

Every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon), Cougar Hot Spring is closed.