Cougar Hot Springs, Natural hot springs in Willamette National Forest, Oregon, US.
Cougar Hot Springs is a series of five rock pools arranged in cascading tiers beneath a thick forest canopy that collect mineral-rich water flowing from an underground spring into the McKenzie River. Each basin receives water naturally and creates a sequence of bathing areas at different elevations.
Native American tribes used these geothermal waters for their healing properties for centuries before European settlers found them in the 1800s. This extended history of human use shaped the region and established the site as a meeting place across different groups.
The site is known for its clothing-optional bathing tradition, where visitors follow unwritten social codes that reflect mutual respect and consideration among those who gather here.
Visitors should expect a short forest walk of about 0.6 km (0.4 miles) and allow time to settle in and enjoy the pools at a relaxed pace. The best visits happen on quieter days and outside peak hours for a more peaceful experience.
Each pool has a slightly different temperature that gradually drops from the source, allowing different visitors to find their preferred bathing experience. This natural temperature gradient makes it possible for anyone to discover a basin that matches their comfort level.
Location: Oregon
GPS coordinates: 44.08360,-122.24000
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Hot springs form where geothermal activity or groundwater systems naturally heat water. This collection features such springs across volcanic zones, mountain ranges and remote areas on all continents. Each location has distinct mineral content and temperatures shaped by its underlying geology. In Iceland, the Blue Lagoon offers mineral-rich water in a lava field near Grindavík, while Deildartunguhver in the west produces one of Europe's most powerful hot springs. Pamukkale in Turkey's Denizli region displays terraced limestone pools formed by calcium-rich thermal water. The Széchenyi Baths in Budapest draw water exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) from nearly 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) below ground. In Wyoming, Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring shows intense colors produced by its size and thermophilic bacteria. Japan hosts numerous onsen, including Takaragawa in Gunma Prefecture along a river and Yubatake in Kusatsu with visible high mineral output. Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is known for macaques that bathe there. In North America, the collection spans Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska and smaller sites such as Baker Hot Springs in Utah. Grutas Tolantongo in Hidalgo, Mexico, combines warm pools with river flows in a canyon. New Zealand's geothermal zones appear at Champagne Pool in Waiotapu and Hell's Gate Park near Rotorua.
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