McKenzie River · Natural pools
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Also known as Cougar Hot Springs
Four forest pools reached by a short trail near Cougar Reservoir.
Source review: · View evidence

Is this the right stop for your trip?
Choose this for a short forest walk and timed soaking; compare Belknap if you prefer a developed pool.
Access and seasonal planning
¼-mile trail. Forest Road 19 is not maintained for winter snow and ice.
Use the USDA Forest Service visitor information for the latest access instructions. Check ODOT TripCheck for state-highway conditions; forest and refuge roads need a separate land-manager check.
Practical visit details
- Admission
- Published fee applies to ages 12 and older; no passes honored. Source ↗
- Hours
- Sunrise–10 pm Source ↗
- Facilities
- Vault toilets at parking; composting restrooms near pools. Source ↗
- Pets
- Pets prohibited; controlled, leashed service animals allowed. Source ↗
- Camping
- Use developed Cougar Recreation Area campgrounds. Source ↗
Location & map
Lane County, Oregon. Approximate coordinates: 44.08329, -122.23756.
US Forest Service recreation-site coordinates. These are not turn-by-turn directions or a verified accessible entrance.
A SECOND SOURCE, A DIFFERENT PURPOSE
The geothermal record
DOGAMI records this feature as Terwilliger Hot Spring, reference LN-008, in Lane County. We matched the named destination to this historical inventory for geographic context.
A geological spring location can differ from the entrance, bathing pool or parking area. Historical source-water readings do not describe today’s bathing temperature, so they are not presented as live pool measurements.
DOGAMI record ↗Sources and what they establish
Fees, reservation notes and access descriptions above come from the visitor sources below unless a field says it is unverified. Our trip-fit paragraph and nearby comparisons are editorial synthesis. No on-site inspection or water testing is claimed.
- USDA Forest Service: visitor information · reviewed 2026-10-12
- DOGAMI geothermal inventory · historical identity and location; acquired October 12, 2026.
Unknown fields remain unknown. Report a correction or read our full sourcing method.
LOOK AT THE ALTERNATIVES
Other destinations to compare
The three closest reviewed soaking destinations by straight-line distance, shown with photos first. These are not driving distances or a suggested route.
About 12 miles in a straight line
McKenzie River
Belknap Hot Springs
Developed mineral pools and gardens beside the McKenzie River.
- Entry
- $12 per person / 1 hour
- Plan ahead
- Walk-in day use; lodging booked separately
About 14 miles in a straight line
McKenzie River
Bigelow Hot Springs
A small riverside warm pool also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs.
- Entry
- No soaking charge reported
- Plan ahead
- Reservation arrangements not stated
About 26 miles in a straight line
Southern Cascades
McCredie Hot Springs
Undeveloped pools beside Salt Creek, east of Oakridge on Highway 58.
- Entry
- Fee not verified
- Plan ahead
- Reservation arrangements not stated