Outdoors NearbyTerwilliger Hot Springs
Four rock-walled pools step down a forested ravine above Cougar Reservoir, each a little cooler than the one above. The site is run by the Forest Service as a day-use fee area with two-hour passes. Day visitors are welcome at Terwilliger Hot Springs with a paid pass. Expect a 0.25-mile walk each way.
| Access | Day passes for the public Fee site: $12 per person (age 12 and up) for a two-hour pass, sold on site. Passes are not honored and there are no reservations. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring, 4 pools |
| Location | Blue River, OR Managed by USFS Willamette NF (McKenzie River RD) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | pools range from 85 °F (lowest) to 112 °F (top pool) |
| Prices | Two-hour pass: $12 (per person, ages 12 and older) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Hours | Sunrise to sundown; closed Thursdays 8 am to noon for cleaning |
| Season | Open all year; Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Byway) is not cleared of snow and ice in winter. |
| Reservations | not needed |
| Hike | 0.25 miles one way from Rider Creek Trail #3319 from the Terwilliger lot on FR 19 A short quarter-mile forest trail leads from the parking lot to the pools. |
| Parking | Small lot on Forest Road 19; no parking along the road. RVs and trailers use the pull-out near FR 1985/1986 or Cougar Crossing Day Use Area. |
| Clothing | clothing optional (no nudity visible from Forest Road 19) |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
| Facilities | potable water |
| Camping | Developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
| Phone | (541) 822-3381 |
Best time to soak: Terwilliger Hot Springs
Terwilliger Hot Springs sits about 42 miles east of Eugene, OR; driving distance is a bit longer.
Most people soak in the cooler months. From November to March average highs around Blue River stay at 48 to 58 °F. From July to August highs reach 89 °F. Take breaks out of the water and bring plenty to drink on summer days. March is the wettest month with about 16 days of rain or snow.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49 °F | 39 °F | 13 |
| Feb | 53 °F | 39 °F | 13 |
| Mar | 58 °F | 41 °F | 16 |
| Apr | 64 °F | 45 °F | 15 |
| May | 74 °F | 50 °F | 8 |
| Jun | 79 °F | 55 °F | 6 |
| Jul | 89 °F | 59 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 89 °F | 58 °F | 1 |
| Sep | 82 °F | 54 °F | 5 |
| Oct | 68 °F | 48 °F | 10 |
| Nov | 55 °F | 43 °F | 14 |
| Dec | 48 °F | 39 °F | 14 |
More to do nearby
- Rider Creek Falls (waterfall, 1 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Top pick 4Monster quick-dry microfiber towel with case Packs small for the hike to the pools and dries in the car on the way home. View on Amazon
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Illustration SIMARI quick-dry water shoes for women and men Grip on slick rock and gravel pool bottoms, and they dry fast on the walk out. View on Amazon - Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Hot springs in the area
- Belknap Hot Springs Day pass
- Deer Creek Hot Springs Free
- McCredie Hot Springs Free
- Breitenbush Hot Springs Day pass
- Umpqua Hot Springs Free
- Bagby Hot Springs Day pass
Waterfalls nearby
- Rider Creek Falls (1 mi)
- Horse Creek (7 mi)
- Rainbow Falls (12 mi)
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Terwilliger Hot Springs cost?
Two-hour pass: $12 (per person, ages 12 and older), according to the operator as of October 2026. Prices change, so check before you go.
How hot is Terwilliger Hot Springs?
Pools range from 85 °F (lowest) to 112 °F (top pool).
Is Terwilliger Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes, clothing optional (no nudity visible from forest road 19).
How long is the hike to Terwilliger Hot Springs?
0.25 miles one way from Rider Creek Trail #3319 from the Terwilliger lot on FR 19. A short quarter-mile forest trail leads from the parking lot to the pools.
Can you bring dogs to Terwilliger Hot Springs?
No, dogs are not allowed.
When is Terwilliger Hot Springs open?
Sunrise to sundown; closed Thursdays 8 am to noon for cleaning. Open all year; Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Byway) is not cleared of snow and ice in winter.
Can you camp near Terwilliger Hot Springs?
Developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area.
How far is Terwilliger Hot Springs from Eugene?
About 42 miles from Eugene in a straight line; the drive is longer.