Eugene-Area Hot Springs Guide

Oregon's Terwilliger Hot Springs may be a natural draw with its pristine beauty and maintained facilities, but there are several more nearby mountain hot springs to discover – each offering a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. If you are planning a dip into nature's warm waters just outside of Eugene, use this hot springs guide to select the right pool for your adventure. Dedicated hot spring hoppers will find it easy to visit all of these in a weekend. Our hot springs are popular attractions. For smaller crowds, visit during the week or early in the day.

McCredie Hot Springs

This is a wild hot spring. The pools at McCredie are constantly changing shapes, the temperatures are unpredictable compared to others and the pools are murky with silty bottoms. Still, these springs are rewarding for the daring.

Just off Highway 58, about 8 miles east of Oakridge is the signed parking lot for the springs. There are restrooms next to the lot. The pools here are shallow but very easy to access. To get to the larger pool, cross the river when it is low (but do so very carefully as the flow can be fast during certain times of the year) or just drive further down Highway 58 and turn right at the next opportunity. You will cross a bridge over Salt Creek and wind through the forest for a bit before finding a very small, unmarked pullout on the right-hand side. The hiking trail down to the springs is just shy of a mile and very peaceful. Clothing is optional here and the crowds are usually pretty minimal.

Belknap Hot Springs

Accessible spa environment at Belknap Hot Springs Resort on the McKenzie River, about 60 miles east of Eugene…

Belknap Hot Springs Resort

Right on the edge of the McKenzie River, Belknap is the perfect place to soak if you want the healing benefits of the mineral-rich waters without the mud or skinny dippers. The water from the springs across the river is pumped into a large, clean swimming pool with nearby restrooms, showers and deck chairs. Inside the lodge, there is also a small market for snacks. Children must be over the age of 5 years old to access pool facilities. Hourly fees are available (no more full day passes) for $10 per person per hour or stay overnight at the resort. Access to the day-use pool is included for overnight guests staying in the lodge, cabins or tent and RV sites. Additionally, lodging guests get exclusive access to a second upper pool. If you forget to bring a towel, you can rent one from the lodge for a small fee.

After a relaxing experience in the pool, cross the bridge for a stroll through the beautiful gardens. If you are lucky, you'll find the hidden "Secret Garden". Belknap is wonderful year-round but most enjoyable on a foggy fall day when the leaves are changing and the warm waters feel perfect with a little chill in the air.

Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs

After being closed due to the 2020 fire and landslides, this beautiful hot spring is now reopened and better than ever. Terwilliger (called "Cougar" by locals) is one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon. As such, you can expect to see quite a few people on a visit to these four cascading pools. The source of the spring is at the top and each pool gets gradually cooler as you go down. There is a cash fee of $10 for a two-hour pass. The water here is clear and the setting is incredibly beautiful. Look for the rock with a cougar carved into it while soaking in the top pool.

Clothing is optional at Cougar. You might see folks covering themselves in mud or clay from the springs which is said to be great for the skin. There is a small covered area for your belongings and new restrooms near the springs. There is also a restroom at the parking lot which is a short 1/4 mile hike through lush forest from the springs.

Deer Creek Hot Springs (Bigelow Hot Springs)

Located just off of the scenic McKenzie Highway 126, Bigelow Hot Springs is a small natural pool located…

Deer Creek (Bigelow) Hot Springs

Deer Creek, also known as Bigelow Hot Springs, is more like a "warm" spring. This single pool sits so close to the river that it disappears completely during the months when the river runs high. There is a fairly short window when this spring is worth visiting: at the end of summer when the river is low but temperatures haven't dipped. Even though the waters don't get as hot as others on this list, the site itself is special. The warmest spot in the pool is near the back of the cave which covers about half the pool. From there, you get a great view of the river and the forest.

There is no cost for a soak here and clothing is optional. Luckily, Deer Creek is located just off the McKenzie River highway near Cougar and Belknap so if you happen to visit during the season when Deer Creek disappears, you can find another hot spring to enjoy.