Hike-in Required
Yes
Water Temperature
Sensitive Habitat
No
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Terwilliger Hot Springs is a well-maintained, natural-feeling hot springs near Cougar Reservoir along the Mackenzie River. The hot water that feeds the springs flows from a cave source at the top of six tiered pools. As a result, each successive pool is slightly cooler in temperature than the one above it. A nearby stream also helps cool the hot water, giving visitors plenty of options for their soaking experience.

The hot springs are a 1/4-mile hike from the parking lot at Cougar Reservoir. The trail is relatively flat and well kept. You'll have a great view of Rider Creek Waterfall at the trailhead, where it spills into a pond along the edge of the reservoir. Your short hike will take you through mossy old-growth forest, and the steam of the pools is quickly visible after a few twists and turns.

There are two restrooms/changing facilities that are as moss-covered as the surrounding trees. There is also a covered shelf area to store clothing, shoes, bags and gear that is visible from the pools. 

Be careful moving in and around the pools, as the rocks can be slippery due to the moisture in the air. 

Clothing is optional at the hot springs (but required at the trailhead and along the trail), and it's common to find bathers making full use of this freedom. No alcohol or glass is allowed at the springs. The cost to visit the pools is $6 per person, which can be paid to the attendant at the trailhead.

Note that the pools are drained and cleaned weekly by volunteers who maintain the site. The cleaning usually occurs on Thursday mornings before 11 a.m. Please be aware the pools may not be available at this time. The pools take roughly an hour to refill after cleaning.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Day Use

Pros

Variety of good water temperatures. Well-maintained.

Cons

Often crowded. Fee for use.

Features

Natural
Constructed

Number of pools

6

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

03/15/2018
The road to the springs is closed until December 1st 2018. As soon as you reach the reservoir the road is closed going both ways to all vehicle and foot traffic. I found this out the hard way. Forest service has nothing posted about it online.
The top pool, which was also the hottest, has been closed for several months now due to safety concerns after a large boulder above the cave fell into the pool near a bather. The water still flows through this pool before reaching the lower pools, resulting in slightly lower temperatures but still hot enough to enjoy. The top pool is expected to reopen once repairs are completed.
A second covered deck for changing and storing belongings has been built.
The spring is closed from sunset to sunrise.
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