Cougar Hot Springs
Encyclopedia
Cougar Hot Springs, officially known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, are geothermal pools located in the Willamette National Forest
in the U.S. state of Oregon
, 53 miles east of Eugene
. The springs drain into Rider Creek, which in turn drains into Cougar Reservoir
. They are located about a quarter mile in from Forest Service Road 19, also known as Aufderheide Memorial Drive. They are managed by Hoodoo Recreation Services.
Visitors over the years built up four pools out of river stones. The pools' size ranged from three to twelve feet across and two to three feet deep, that cascade down a hillside. The source is above the topmost pool, where the spring flows out of a rock face at approximately 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the pool floors are mostly bedrock, some gravel, sand and debris are at the bottom if the pools haven't been cleaned recently. The springs are often frequented by the residents of nearby Eugene
and Bend
.
The pools were renovated in 2009. A group of volunteers, led by a Eugene-based stonemason, removed concrete and built pools using a natural mortar. The new walls will be more stable and easier for volunteers to clean. The renovated pools, the construction of which cost an estimated $40,000, are expected to last for generations.
Access to the springs is subject to a fee. For 2010, the rates are $5 per person/per day or $50 per person for a seasonal pass to visit. Clothing is optional, and access is permitted for day-use only.
Willamette National Forest
The Willamette National Forest is a National Forest located in the central portion of the Cascade Range of US state of Oregon.It comprises 1,675,407 acres making it one of the largest national forests. Over 380,000 acres are designated wilderness which include seven major mountain peaks...
in the U.S. state of Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
, 53 miles east of Eugene
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Lane County. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about east of the Oregon Coast.As of the 2010 U.S...
. The springs drain into Rider Creek, which in turn drains into Cougar Reservoir
Cougar Reservoir
Cougar Reservoir is a reservoir on the South Fork McKenzie River in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in Lane County. It was created in 1964 with the construction of the hydroelectric Cougar Dam....
. They are located about a quarter mile in from Forest Service Road 19, also known as Aufderheide Memorial Drive. They are managed by Hoodoo Recreation Services.
Visitors over the years built up four pools out of river stones. The pools' size ranged from three to twelve feet across and two to three feet deep, that cascade down a hillside. The source is above the topmost pool, where the spring flows out of a rock face at approximately 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the pool floors are mostly bedrock, some gravel, sand and debris are at the bottom if the pools haven't been cleaned recently. The springs are often frequented by the residents of nearby Eugene
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Lane County. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about east of the Oregon Coast.As of the 2010 U.S...
and Bend
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a city in and the county seat of Deschutes County, Oregon, United States, and the principal city of the Bend, Oregon Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bend is Central Oregon's largest city, and, despite its modest size, is the de facto metropolis of the region, owing to the low population...
.
The pools were renovated in 2009. A group of volunteers, led by a Eugene-based stonemason, removed concrete and built pools using a natural mortar. The new walls will be more stable and easier for volunteers to clean. The renovated pools, the construction of which cost an estimated $40,000, are expected to last for generations.
Access to the springs is subject to a fee. For 2010, the rates are $5 per person/per day or $50 per person for a seasonal pass to visit. Clothing is optional, and access is permitted for day-use only.