Terwilliger Hot Springs — Local services in Sweet Home

This spot is overrun and honestly shouldn't even allow minors in. Clothing is optional, which they tell you. What they don't tell you is that there is no way to even remotely avoid naked people. It's not the way it appears in photos. It's very much the social media vs. reality. The pools are right on top of each other, and there is 0 discretion. When they say changing area they mean a very small standing area/hut right off the side of the pools where basically it's meant to get naked and get it, it is not a "changing area", in fact if there's more then 3 people standing there, you're on top of each other. They allow 50 people in at a time, and the space is not adequate unless you were looking to sit in the lap of the naked stranger next to you. It was a weird environment. The women who were present this day weren't just there to soak and enjoy the ability to be nude. The intent was to be seen nude. I guess it wouldn't be as concerning if it wasn't advertised as kids 11 and under free..like I said there was no discretion and as soon as you round the last corner there are bits flopping all over the place. I find it odd that anyone would want to get naked somewhere that advertised an incentive discount for kids, leading you to believe that this could be family friendly. The guy taking money asked if we had been there before, as I stood there with my 11, 13, and 16 year old. I said no, we hadn't, just looked up the cost, regulations, etc. Basically, the Google info is available. He let me know that clothing was optional, I told him I'd seen that but would make sure to kind of asses the situation before taking my kids fully into it..keeping in mind I had no idea what the area looked like other then pics, and he knew that since he'd just asked if I'd been before. At this point, you'd think he would have said just so you know there's no real discretion or separation. By nudetity, I mean people will be out walking around naked, and you will have to be in extremely close proximity to even try to get to the lower pools. Like I said, the environment was weird once we got there, including the multiple middle aged men in t-shirts and jeans walking back to the pools alone..yes I'm insinuating exactly what that sounds like..creepy with the amount of nude woman that were there probably ages mostly 20 - 30's. Several people had their toddlers there, just chilling in the water with other naked adult strangers. Don't expect a leisurely hike in. We got paid at 5:22 p.m and were told to be back at the parking lot no later than 7:30. So a good chunk of your soaking time is taken up by the walk in and out, changing/getting back out and dressed, shuffling past the 49 other bodies sitting on top of each other. Unfortunately, I paid $48 just for the wrist bands to turn around and walk right back out. If the information of exactly how it was set up with their ability to be discreet while naked or even a heads up at all about how misleading the information provided was. I wouldn't have wasted the time and day to begin with. If you want a more family experience, just spend the extra money to rent a private soak tub, there's several places. Really, this place should be adult admission only or certain days/times for 18+ and other times for 17 and under. And again...people really should consider why so many people are so comfortable being openly naked in a place that advertises being accessible to children..there's plenty of places for that and ways to separate the two. Last thing, they tell you it's 24/7 live video surveillance, so it's posted, but you sign nothing stating you consent to being recorded nude. Based on the entire experience, I would really take into account who is watching the live recording or whatever while you're naked. It's adults' job to protect kids. The adults involved in running this particular area are failing at that. Either 100% accurate information and photos need to be available so that people can see that there is no separation between clothing and no clothing or it needs to be made so that...

I had completely forgotten what the name of this place was and could never confirm it until today when I inadvertently heard it in a video and was able to confirm this was the place. I want to share what I can about this place because it's amazing! I will try to cover what I can, including people that they have some social anxiety, etc. I was last here a little over a decade ago when I lived up in the Eugene, OR area. This was (sure it still is) SUCH a wonderful place!! It is a very short hike, the water temperature is perfect! If the location you are sitting is a little too hot, you can just go 'down a level' (see pics others have posted) so to speak, as there are multiple hot spring pools that are slightly cooler as they cascade down into one another, thus progressively getting further from the source of the springs.

You can basically go anytime of the year (within reason, lol). I personally recommend getting there a little before sunset (optional though, just depends how comfortable you are walking at night, but the trail is super easy to follow w/ a flashlight) so you can get a good overview of everything as the sunsets and then spend time there as it gets darker and goes into the night. Naturally, bring a flashlight. The first time I was there (I think I went two or three times) was just after Sunset and it was not a problem finding and seeing everything. It actually made it a little more fun not being able to see the big picture until you get to the springs. It has a lot of character and also, for lack of a better word, charm to the experience.

Going alone is comparable to going with people. There is no right or wrong way because you are pretty much guaranteed to run into people you don't know that will treat you like they've known you their whole life. (by that, I mean they're very open, giving and caring.) It's also totally up to you if you want to keep to yourself instead (just go with the flow)

**Even those of you with some social anxiety, I meant many people who told me how much going here helped them with their day-to-day anxiety because of the place itself, the people, the 'vibe' etc. Also, that feeling you get being at a place for first time was seemingly omnipresent to those that had gone multiple times, including myself. There is something special and I suppose healing when surrounded by people who are comfortable in their own skin. -(mentally speaking regarding state of mind being comfortable with who you are as a person vs. a literal interpretation of it (i.e. physically) but they both apply I suppose) -Those who well respect your boundaries, will engage in good conversation and treat people like people should be treated.)

Going back to the physical place itself, you can just lean back and look up through towering trees to a beautiful night sky! Assuming it is not overcast but even then, it's beautiful.

Definitely worth...

The drive up is beautiful. Parking is limited but we went on a Wednesday at noon and there were several spaces available. There is an attendant onsight and that collects payment. And she’s watching. We were traveling with all our crap in the car and it felt very safe. The hike is about a 10-15 min walk from the car. There are a few inclines but really easy. The silver buildings up above the springs are restrooms. Don’t expect them to be clean. They weren’t terrible but they are restrooms in the wilderness open to the public…..Below the silver restroom buildings there are steps leading to the 4 pools. They are coolest from lowest to highest pools. There are plenty of areas to change and leave your things that are close to the soaking pools. The first changing area is the most private but still open to everyone so be prepared. There is a sulfur smell but it’s not bad. I smelled it the most in the top pool where the water was the hottest. There were a couple of people walking about and soaking in the nude. Go off if that’s your thing. No one seemed to care about how anyone else looked or what they were doing. Everyone was friendly and respectful. Some of the rocks are VERY slippery both on the paths next to the pools and in the pools. I was being careful and I slipped going in the 3rd pool. Take your time. This was an unexpected side trip for us and we didn’t have what we needed. Here’s some suggestions: 1: Towel - Blue Sky market normally has them but was sold out. We ended up at McKenzie General Store. They had very expensive quick dry towels ($40). This market is super cute. Check it out if you have time 2: Flip flops or sandals: Found these at the Blue Sky market for $12.99 3: Small dry bag or water resistant back pack 4: Cold beverage in an insulated water bottle 5: Warm dry clothes for the walk back

I spent a while looking at reviews and other sources on Oregon Springs while we were in Portland. These springs looked the best by far. They are well maintained compared to the others I looked at, in addition to the path there. If hot springs are your thing and you haven’t been, definitely...