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Camping Notes
There are primitive campsites and cushy
campgrounds nearby, camping or nighttime use of the springs is
not permitted.
Usage Fee Information
As of May 2005, Hoodoo Recreation
Services now operates Terwilliger Hot Springs (see link above). Northwest Forest
Passes are no longer accepted at this location. Soakers now have to
purchase a $5 parking pass and pay an additional $5/person fee. The
only other option is to purchase a $50 annual pass. Parking passes,
per person fees and annual passes can be purchased directly from
Hoodoo Recreation Services, on-site from the attendants, at Patio RV
Park in McKenzie Bridge, the Campstore at Hoodoo Ski Lodge and at
Umbrella Properties in Coburg.
Trip Reports
06.25.04
Wow! Awesome! We hit Cougar AKA Terwilliger early in the AM hoping
to have a semi-private soaking experience, especially since it was
our first time. The brief hike through the primeval forest was
nothing short of lush, and the trail and surrounding area was well
kept. Keep in mind you are supposed to have a Northwest Forest Pass
in order to visit the springs. We had ours, and were definitely
among the minority despite that many of them had received their
share of $50 tickets.
Upon arrival to the
pools we greeted a couple in their mid to late twenties (much like
ourselves) that were taking a 'smoke' break. There was also an older
fellow that the couple identified as a longtime Forest Service
Ranger soaking in one of the pools. After about an hour, a steady
stream of people began to trickle in. It should be noted that the
bulk majority soak au natural here, and do so legally according to
all of the signs.
We chatted it up with
some of the more talky soakers but were also able to enjoy a few
nice quiet moments. I found out that the couple has been coming to
the springs since childhood, when they lived in Eugene. He spoke of
a story in which a father was slain in the pool here on his birthday
by a crazy man with a shotgun, which resulted in nighttime closure.
He also said that the hippies and loggers have shared many a
skirmish
on these grounds. I was a bit sad to hear about all of the violent
stories surrounding this hot springs. It made me think about how the
Native Americans valued hot springs as sacred grounds, and would not
fight on premises regardless of who was at war.
None the less, Cougar
was stellar! The soaking was great, and the soakers were friendly
too. I've soaked all over Idaho, and have been pleasantly shocked at
how much friendlier and environmentally conscience Oregonians are.
Rating: A+
Average Rating:
A+
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