Terwilliger Park

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Terwilliger Park, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is a picturesque natural area located in the Willamette National Forest in the state of Oregon.


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Summary

Situated near the town of Blue River, it offers visitors a tranquil and breathtaking experience, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty.

One of the key highlights of Terwilliger Park are the natural hot springs, known as the Cougar Hot Springs. These inviting thermal pools are situated in a forested area and provide a soothing and relaxing soak in mineral-rich waters. The pools are tiered, creating several small waterfalls that cascade into each other, creating a unique and serene ambiance.

Besides the hot springs, Terwilliger Park offers numerous hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests and along the banks of the beautiful Cougar Reservoir. Exploring these trails allows visitors to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including towering Douglas fir trees, wildflowers, and a variety of bird species. The park also has picnic areas and camping spots, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a day trip or a longer stay.

An interesting fact about Terwilliger Park is that the hot springs were once frequented by the Cougar Indian tribe, who used them for their healing properties. Today, the pools are maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and are open to the public year-round.

The best time to visit Terwilliger Park is during the spring, summer, or fall seasons when the weather is mild and the surrounding nature is at its vibrant best. However, it is important to note that the park can get busy during weekends and holidays, so planning a weekday visit may provide a more peaceful experience. Additionally, it's advisable to check the park's official website or contact the Willamette National Forest office for the most up-to-date information regarding access, road conditions, and any regulations or restrictions in place.

It's always recommended to cross-reference information from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy and verify any potential changes or updates before planning a visit to Terwilliger Park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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