Terwilliger Hot Springs, Eugene, Oregon

Terwilliger Hot Springs are also known as the Cougar Hot Springs in Eugene, Oregon. These hot springs are actually located outside of the city limits of Eugene in the Willamette National Forest. The hot springs flow from a tiered grade, meaning that they flow from high to low with pools at a lower elevation. The pools become cooler at the lower elevation because the water is further and further from the original source. It is here that individuals can get into the hot springs. The cooler water makes it more comfortable. Hours are day use only, meaning that once dusk hits the area is closed. The fee for the hot springs is tied into the forest permit and is $5. This is for the entire day.

To get to the park one must go to the Rider Creek Arm of Cougar Reservoir. The hot springs are 53.3 miles east of Eugene. By taking I5 and I105 from Eugene visitors can end up on Highway 126 which will lead to the reservoir. Forest Road 19 is at the Cougar turnoff and visitors will be on that for 39 miles until they reach a right turn towards the dam. It is 3.4 miles to the dam, and another 4.3 to the trailhead for the hot springs.

At the parking lot visitors will have to back track a small ways to get to the trailhead for the hot springs. The path will take .1 miles to get to the springs along the spur trail, which goes down to the larger swimming area. Terwilliger is one of the more popular hot springs in the state because it is technically free to go to the springs; visitors just have to pay to get into the park. Nudity can be expected at the springs and the swimming hole as there are no rules to eliminate this. So for visitors with children it is best to get a look before allowing the children down into the swimming area.

The hot springs were constructed for use by residents. They are quite rustic now since they have been there for many years. The top pool nearer the source is going to be the hottest, but once visitors reach 12 feet down the water becomes cooler. There are a total of eight pools all ranging in size from three to twelve feet across. The depth of the pools is two to three feet. The top pool is 112 degrees Fahrenheit. The floor of the pools is usually bedrock, but some have gravel, sand and debris.

A waterfall can be seen providing the spring water into one of the larger pools, the swimming area. The forest does ask that all visitors do their part to keep the water clean of all human debris. The area sees more than a million visitors a year, and to keep it open visitors must do their part. For a forest retreat on a day trip the hot springs are worth a trip.