Terwilliger Hot Springs now offers longer hours, more parking, and on-site hosts

One of Oregon’s better-known natural hot springs is now offering visitors more time and more parking options for a trip to the McKenzie River area.

Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is now open until 10 p.m. Its parking area has also nearly doubled in capacity.

On-site hosts are stationed at the entrance to help visitors with parking, payments, capacity, and site rules.

The changes come after access to the hot springs reopened in 2026 following the completion of a bridge restoration project, according to Visit McKenzie River.

What are the new hours at Terwilliger Hot Springs?

Visitors can now use Terwilliger Hot Springs from sunrise until 10 p.m. Previously, the site closed at dusk.

The springs are open year-round, although Forest Service Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice during the winter.

The site also closes from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursdays for cleaning.

What changed with parking and access?

The parking lot has been expanded to accommodate approximately twice as many vehicles.

Visitors still cannot park with any portion of their vehicle on the paved surface of Forest Road 19. The additional spaces could make a difference during busy weekends when parking near the springs can fill quickly.

New on-site hosts are also living at the entrance. According to Visit McKenzie River, the hosts can assist visitors with parking, payments, capacity, and site rules.

The hot springs remain first come, first served, with a maximum capacity of 65 people and a two-hour limit for each visit.

Can visitors still bring dogs?

No, dogs are no longer allowed at the site, including the trail and hot springs area. Service animals are permitted but must remain leashed and under control.

Alcohol is also prohibited, and the hot springs are for day use only. Camping is limited to developed campgrounds within the Cougar Recreation Area.

How much does it cost to visit?

The current fee is $12 per person for visitors ages 12 and older.

The fee covers two hours and includes access to the hot springs, trail, lagoon, and parking area. Payment is available on-site.

How many pools a do the springs have?

The soaking area includes six tiers of natural pools, with water temperatures generally increasing in the pools farther uphill.

Is clothing options?

Yes. Clothing is optional at the springs.

How do you get to the hot springs?

From the parking area, visitors follow a short trail through the forest to reach the springs.

The trail includes packed gravel and soil, along with some steeper sections, and is not maintained for wheelchair access. Narrow rock steps provide access to the pools.

The spring are located in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River.

Visitors traveling from Highway 126 can reach the area from Blue River by following the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, also known as Forest Road 19, toward Cougar Reservoir and continuing south to the Terwilliger Hot Springs parking area.

Travelers should check current road and site conditions before visiting, particularly during winter weather.