Hot spring
Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
Blue River, Oregon, US
- Tolerated / customary
- Audience not stated
- Customary, unofficial
- Status unknown
Last checked Aug 2026
Terwilliger Hot Springs, commonly called Cougar Hot Springs, is a set of four rock-lined soaking pools on a forested hillside in Oregon's Willamette National Forest, reached by a short hike from a Forest Service parking area. Nudity has been a long-standing, widely documented custom here rather than an official park policy, and the Forest Service manages the site for crowding, alcohol, and after-hours access rather than banning it outright.
Know before you go
The Forest Service caps the site at roughly 50 visitors, charges a day-use fee, and closes it firmly from sunset to sunrise. There is no official clothing-optional designation; nudity is tolerated by long custom and can vary with how busy the pools are, so read current Willamette National Forest alerts before visiting and expect a mixed-clothing crowd rather than a guaranteed nude space. Trails to the pools are rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes for the approach.
Frequently asked questions
Is clothing required at Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs?
Nudity is customary and generally tolerated here, but it is not officially designated — use discretion.
Is nudity at Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs officially sanctioned?
No — nudity here is customary rather than officially sanctioned, so enforcement can vary.
Can I visit Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs for the day?
Access: Day use, no reservation (pay station on site). Day access: Yes.
When is the best time to visit Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs?
Season: Year-round (winter access depends on Aufderheide Drive conditions).
Official links
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Related guides
- Clothing-Optional Hot Springs in the US: What to Know Before You Go
A traveler's guide to the clothing-optional hot springs of the American West, from Colorado's Strawberry Park to California's Orr Hot Springs — what to expect, when to go, and how policies vary.
Sources
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