Springfield Station Overflow (Booth Kelly)
Parking lot
4 (4)
303 S 5th St, Eugene, OR 97405
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Managed Natural Hot-Spring Day-Use SiteOR
Mckenzie River East Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan the actual Terwilliger soaking pools with the current two-hour fee, clothing boundaries, no-pets rule and unmaintained winter road. Old 2014 closure is not current.
Swimming restriction
Clothing optional at the pools does not permit visible nudity from Forest Road 19. No alcohol or pets at the hot springs; service animals must be leashed and controlled. No nighttime use or campground transfer.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Managed Natural Hot-Spring Day-Use Site
Access
Informal
Fee
Current Forest Service rate: $12 per person per two hours for ages 12 and older; passes not honored. Confirm current payment and rate before travel.
Best season
Current operation is sunrise to 10 p.m., closed to all use overnight. Forest Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice, so a year-round site listing does not guarantee winter vehicle access
Nearby towns
Eugene, Springfield, Blue River, Mckenzie River Bridge
Water body
Terwilliger Geothermal Soaking Pools Near Cougar Reservoir
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Eugene, Springfield, Blue River, Mckenzie River Bridge
Access location not verified
MCKENZIE RIVER BRIDGE, OR
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
McKenzie East and Terwilliger
Terwilliger, also called Cougar Hot Springs, is the one named destination recovered here. The current Forest Service page marks it open and describes four soaking pools; the old 2014 upper-pool closure is not treated as a current restriction. Thermal bathing and surrounding reservoir activities have separate rules.
Keep the real soaking opportunity and current fee
The Forest Service's July 9, 2026 page is marked open and describes four soaking pools. Its current fee is $12 per person per two hours for ages 12 and older, not the archive's 2013 price. No additional three historical swimming entrances were recovered.
Clothing and pet rules have exact boundaries
The manager describes the springs as clothing optional while prohibiting visible nudity from Forest Road 19. Alcohol and pets are prohibited at the site; service animals have controlled-access requirements. Open hours end at 10 p.m., not the archive's assumed sunset cut-off.
A maintained site can still have fire and winter hazards
The 2018 fire affected the area; current guidance warns about loose rock, debris flows, flooding and weakened trees. Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice. Use legal parking and a land-based fallback, and do not convert descriptive pool temperatures or depths into a present health or safety measurement.
Check this destination before travel
Getting There
Use current Forest Service directions from Highway 126 onto Forest Road 19 and the designated Terwilliger lot. Walk the quarter-mile Rider Creek Trail; do not park along Road 19 or double park.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use current Forest Service directions from Highway 126 onto Forest Road 19 and the designated Terwilliger lot. Walk the quarter-mile Rider Creek Trail; do not park along Road 19 or double park.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Clothing optional at the pools does not permit visible nudity from Forest Road 19. No alcohol or pets at the hot springs; service animals must be leashed and controlled. No nighttime use or campground transfer. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
McKenzie River Trail
Hiking area
4.7 (202)
56621 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Single-track hiking & biking trail stretching 26 miles past Douglas firs, waterfalls & river views.
Thurston Hills Trailhead
Park
4.8 (50)
7575 McKenzie Hwy, Springfield, OR 97478
Weyerhaeuser-McKenzie Natural Area Park
Park
4.3 (133)
3809 Marcola Rd, Springfield, OR 97477
Armitage Park Campground
Campground
4.3 (890)
90064 Coburg Rd, Eugene, OR 97408
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Richardson Park Campground
Campground
4.4 (744)
25950 Richardson Park Rd, Junction City, OR 97448
Public park with lakeside picnicking, volleyball court & playground, plus marina with boat ramps.
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
GnomeWood Campground
Campground
4.8 (28)
24234 Suttle Rd, Veneta, OR 97487
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
3.5 (11)
Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City, NY 11101
Frequently Asked Questions About Mckenzie River East Swimming Holes
Are Terwilliger and Cougar Hot Springs different places?
They are names used for this same managed hot-spring destination. Cougar Reservoir is a separate water body with different access.
What is the current published soaking fee?
The Forest Service lists $12 per person per two hours for ages 12 and older, with no passes honored. Confirm the rate and payment arrangement before travel.
Does the old 2014 upper-pool closure still apply?
The current Forest Service page is marked open and describes four pools. The old closure is not a current operating notice; obey new on-site restrictions.
Can we go nude on the road or bring dogs to the pools?
No. Clothing-optional pool use does not permit visible nudity from Road 19, and pets are prohibited at the site. Controlled service-animal provisions are separate.
Is winter access guaranteed because the site is open year-round?
No. Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice and sections may be impassable. Check actual road conditions.
Can we camp at the springs after closing?
No. The springs are day use only, closed from 10 p.m. until sunrise. Use an authorized developed campground separately.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Follow current hot-spring rules and posted conditions
- Thermal pools are not a sanitary or medical guarantee
- Avoid jumping, diving, high flow and fire-damaged terrain, and check Road 19 access
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Current operation is sunrise to 10 p.m., closed to all use overnight. Forest Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice, so a year-round site listing does not guarantee winter vehicle access.
Difficulty Level
Use the named current lawful approach. No guaranteed shallow pool, easy creek descent or surveyed accessible bathing entrance is asserted.
Fee
Current Forest Service rate: $12 per person per two hours for ages 12 and older; passes not honored. Confirm current payment and rate before travel.
Facilities
Forest Service lists parking vault toilets, composting restrooms near the pools and bottled water for purchase. Picnic tables are unavailable. Confirm actual service availability rather than assuming natural spring water is potable.
Activities
Swimming or soaking only at the named manager-supported destination under actual operating, access and water-condition limits.
Phone
541-822-3381
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Hot springs are day use only. Cougar Recreation Area camping is restricted to developed campgrounds; book a separate authorized stay.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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