terwilliger hot springs

I'm really not sure why this place has gotten bad reviews it is gorgeous the people here are very friendly. How to wonderful silk and met some new people all very nice I would definitely go here again maybe not with kids as people like to go in the buff

I took my girlfriend here this last weekend hoping to relive some of my childhood memories of a wonderful hot springs. I was to be disappointed.....First, when I was a kid there was no day use fee....now it's $6 per person. Not horrible, just wanted to point that out for people.Second, the pools are sad! The top pool had a landslide that ruined it, and the next pool down is closed while the top one is being repaired. This left 3 open pools, the hottest of which was only about 100 degrees. My bath water is hotter than that and we only lasted about 1.5 hours before finally giving up and leaving. *TIP* Start in the lowest and coldest pool. You'll have to typically because the top pool is always packed (see my next point below), and the two lower pools are 85-95 degrees and will make the top pool actually feel a bit warm.....Third, this place gets packed quickly. With only three open pools, having 30-50 people there means a wait in line just to get in the water. Then, on a busy day there can be over 150 people who visit the springs........Sadly, I think it's time to find a better hot springs to go to. I won't waste the gas, time, or drive to get to these ones anymore.....

As of January, 2015, the top (hottest, best) pool is still closed (since April '14) due to a landslide. Considering that all users pay a $6 entrance fee, it is surprising that the Forest Service has not yet addressed this issue. Be very wary of visits on weekends; I was there on a Saturday afternoon in January and the 2nd pool was so packed with bodies that you could barely see any water when looking down at the pool from above. There was space in the lower pools, but the water temperature was similar to a bathtub that has been cooling off for a 1/2 hour, the temperature at which you would normally get out of the tub. It would be very helpful if everyone limited their time in the hottest pool when it's so crowded, but that is not the case. There are many people that sit in there for hours, making it very difficult for others to join the other sardines. Having said all this, these hot springs certainly have the potential to offer a magical experience. The Forest Service doing their part is critical (please call and voice your concerns!), and you will also need to avoid peak times, unless of course you enjoy the sardine experience. PS: The road leading south to the springs is well paved and usually snow free, but there may be a large number of rocks in the road you'll need to avoid.

There is nothing more relaxing than a soak in these natural springs located in Oregon's beautiful old growth forest. Be sure to take plenty of drinking water in plastic containers. No drinking water on site. There is an area located on the short hike in to tether your dog. The trail going is really nice and very well maintained. Always try to take the correct amount of change/money (dollar bills) to pay the appropriate fees. Many visits the kiosk has been staffed. Never leave anything in the car that is of value to yourself. I have never had any problems with theft or car damage but why take the chance.If your wanting a social experience then I would suggest weekend visits. I usually try to plan my middle of the week visits at day break. That way I feel comfortable taking pictures and enjoying the peace and quiet.You will find a few people who choose to wear suits or clothing. I have never had them impact my nude time in a negative way. Should anyone choose to display inappropriate behavior please mention it to the attendant at the entrance kiosk if they are present.I usually take a bag for carrying out any litter I might find. Usually the pools are clean and no litter around. If you should decide on the upper pool do ease in as it can at times be hot. The lower the pool you visit the cooler the temp. My suggestion is to take as few of items in as possible. I usually wear flip flops and a long tee-shirt that comes below my behind. I carry my towel and water bottle. If your a family with children this is especially wise advice. The changing area is limited. Plus you will find that flip flops are much easier than putting on socks and shoes. Slip on a long tee and your ready for short hike out. Things like clothing can get damp or wet while your enjoying a soak. There is no better location to introduce your children to outdoor hiking, old growth forest and a diverse user group. The picture I have attached is of the reservoir a short distance and on the way to the springs. A must stop for photo's.Have fun and enjoy!

We had heard about this place before we went. We were curious about it, but after reading the reviews decided not to go because we were traveling with kids. On the last day of our vacation, we drove to lake after lake unable to get down to the beach because the water was so low at the end of the summer. We gave in and went to the hot springs. There is insufficient parking across the road and we had to do a 16 point (or thereabouts) turn to get out as people made a row of cars behind the row of cars. It's a small uphill hike and then an area where you can leave your dog. A little area for changing (or removing clothes). There are a few pools and the top is VERY HOT and the bottom is more tolerable. There were many people without clothes and we tried to distract our kids but it did seem to bother our oldest. It was beautiful and the walk through the forest is also lovely. It can be slippery.

Loved the scenery. Be careful of the naked people if your bringing children. Some of the people we observed doing inappropriate things.

We went there not expecting it to be full of nude people as the site is somewhat misleading and says that nudity is prohibited, IT IS NOT!! So if you're expecting to take smaller kids there then be pre-warned that there will be nude people there... some creepy some not... and there were also some gay women in the pool below us getting a lot more comfortable with each other than just sitting in the pool... Very uncomfortable. The hike from the parking lot (which is a very small lot) was probably more like half a mile or more and was through some beautiful woods, so that was more enjoyable than the hot springs themselves.

The day we went, most of the men were old, naked, and overweight, while all the women (of varying ages) wore swim suits. The first (hottest) bathing area has suffered a landslide, but the remaining areas are lovely. The setting is fabulous--huge old-growth trees, sulfuric waters, sun and breeze. But it's quite small, seemed crowded with fifteen bathers, and how you feel about naked old men may well affect how you feel about the day.

I grew up around Blue River, and the amount of memories I have in these hot springs are astounding. Thankfully, they're all extremely positive, as the entire environment is simply perfect. Looking from the top pool, you have the plethora of stars above, hot mineral water below and an array of waterfall pools below you.. and very possibly other people too. Which obviously can go both ways if you're staying overnight (illegally, but free for the poor college kid). Due to the fact that there is no supervision/regulation, often times people take it upon themselves to be free - leading to many things, for example going nude (more power to you!), or (much more destructively) bringing glass into the pools. Indeed, there are few places where something this beautiful can be this well kept. But thanks vastly to our local park rangers - and good samaritans - the pools are usually very clean. This is the main thing I see going wrong about the site, however. The demand put on the site by the local community (and travelers) has caused there to be more trash/debris then the rangers can deal with. Which is where we step in - If you end up having a good time, please, take a piece of trash or two out with you. Yes, even if it's not yours - give back the positivity that the springs gave you by making them better tomorrow than they were today!WARNING: I have had friends get their things stolen while they are unattended at night. So if you see others around your things, it's a good idea to be cautious. Not that this happens often, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Should you go? Yes but there is probably always going to be at least 1 creepy naked guy there. The drive there is fantastic but I would say rather use it as a stop over on the way to something else. The people that are there with you are going to drastically affect your experience. This would not be a family venue. We had a good time overall but I can see it getting really bad if you end up with the wrong crowd. I recommend going in the morning to avoid anyone that may have been drinking.

First, this hotsprings is often referred to as Cougar Hot Springs. Terwilliger Hot Springs located near the Cougar Reservoir, is one of the quintessential experiences of Lane County Oregon. Along with The Oregon Country Fair and Saturday Market, one really should experience the serenity and beauty of a few hours soaking at Terwilliger.Some things to know... * Parking is fairly limited and you must pay cash after parking, but before hiking up the trail to the hot springs. The admission is a small price, compared to the ticket.* Public nudity is common. I have been many times with various friends, and have never experienced any sort of inappropriate sexual behavior. In fact, you will meet people of all sizes and shapes, ages, etc. and you may discover it is a liberating experience.* As always, bring plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to stay adequately hydrated. There is no place nearby to purchase anything. Come prepared.Lay back, listen to the sounds of the birds over the water, watch the light playing in the trees, and feel time stand still. This is therapeutic for both body and soul.

It took a bit to drive through all of the glorious curvy bends til finding the parking. It happened to be a perfect sunny spring day and many people were at some point of their adventure there; some coming and some going. From the parking lot you had to walk back across the dam about a quarter of a mile. The sign at the trailhead then explained that you needed $10 or so and many of us had to walk back to our vehicles to get money and a pen to fill in the money card or envelope. After all that was said and done we hiked on a very easy short hike of about a mile or less to the hot springs. The view was amazing; lush and green and very refreshing. As we went further down the trail you could see the various dressing rooms as you neared the hot springs themselves.There were a mixture of folks with clothes and those without. No one made a big deal out of it and most people just made good company and conversations. The highlight of the visit was seeing a cave where hot water came rolling out of it and into the tri-pooled sanctuaries. The area was extremely well cared for and clean. There were no foul smells and I did not observe tasteless pickup lines between some of the single men and women. It was pleasant to be there. I would recommend this to most people but if you are insecure with your body or others being naked I would recommend going up to the Belknap Hot Springs nearby where there is a clothing policy. I hope this answers some of your questions and helps you make a decision one way or another.

It was not busy or loud by any means when my husband and I were there (off season and mid-week). We did our research ahead of time and knew what to expect - clothing optional with an "alternative" crowd. No one was drinking or smoking or doing anything inappropriate. We hung out in the least crowded and cleanest top pool (which is phenomenally hot). It was fun for us NY suburbanites to be naked in a forest but it was a one time deal for us and I don't see a need to frequent it.

It's fairly remote yet easy to get to and not built up. Nice place to relax after a day on the McKenzie River Trail

My husband and I were very excited to check out this hot spring but it was ruined by a bunch of naked, smelly, disgusting hippies and pot heads. We were so thankful we didn't bring our children with us on this trip! After talking with locals we heard this is a real problem area for drug users and idiots to party.