Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs Soakable

Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs reads 111°F at the source (NCEI, historical reading); the pools people soak in usually run cooler than the source. Managed by the Willamette National Forest (checked 2026-08-19).

Cool Warm Hot Boiling-class 111°F

111°F / 44°C

Hot range at the source — hotter than a hot tub

Reading from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation). Source temperature — lower pools usually run cooler.

Water temperatures change with flow and season — test before entering, and never submerge your head in warm natural water. CDC guidance on Naegleria fowleri.

Access

The Forest’s Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs site is reached by a 1/4 mile hike along the Rider Creek Trail (#3319) to the hot springs. Day use only, open sunrise to 10 p.m. and closed to all use from 10:00 p.m. to sunrise. The fee is $12 per person per 2 hours for ages 12 and up. No visible nudity is allowed from the Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19). Parking is limited and large vehicles are directed to alternative parking areas. No pets are allowed at the site, possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited, and camping is restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area.

Trailhead: Rider Creek Trail #3319, off the Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Road 19)

Winter: Open all year, but Forest Service Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in the winter.

Access notes read from the manager's own page, checked 2026-08-19.

Check current conditions with the Willamette National Forest

Nearby springs

Identity, coordinates, and temperature quoted from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation).