
About This Spring
## Overview Aquarius Spring Head is a public drinking spring located along South Main Street in Joseph, Oregon — a charming small town nestled at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains, often called the "Little Switzerland of America." The spring features a well-maintained, 100% stainless-steel springbox, reflecting a commitment to keeping the water source clean and accessible for the community and visitors alike. Joseph sits at roughly 4,190 feet of elevation in Wallowa County, a region renowned for its pristine alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and abundant natural springs fed by snowmelt filtering through volcanic and glacial geology. The town itself is a popular gateway to Wallowa Lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness, making Aquarius Spring Head a convenient stop for hikers, campers, and road-trippers passing through the area. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — making it a reliable year-round water source. Historically, residents and travelers in the Wallowa Valley have relied on natural springs like this one for drinking water, and the spring has been reported to be a valued local resource. ## Directions 1. Head to **South Main Street (S Main St)** in Joseph, Oregon. 2. Look for the spring near **1005 S. Main St**, on the south end of town near the base of Mt. Joseph. 3. The stainless-steel springbox is visible from the road. GPS coordinates: **45.342873, -117.229492**. The spring is roadside and easily accessible — no hiking or off-road driving required. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a clean, purpose-built stainless-steel springbox designed for easy water collection. The setup is straightforward and well-maintained, making it simple to fill bottles or jugs. The spring area itself is attractive and sits in a scenic part of town with views toward Mt. Joseph and the surrounding Wallowa Mountains. Because the spring is located right along South Main Street, access is easy for all ages and mobility levels — you can pull up, fill your water, and be on your way. The 24/7 availability makes it especially handy for early-morning adventurers heading into the Eagle Cap Wilderness or Wallowa Lake State Park. While the spring has been historically used as a drinking water source and visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. If you're visiting Joseph for outdoor recreation, Aquarius Spring Head is a worthwhile stop to top off your water supply in a beautiful mountain-town setting.
Getting There
Address
998, S Main St, Joseph, OR 97846, US
GPS Coordinates
45.342873, -117.229492
Directions
Community SubmittedDirections 1. Head to **South Main Street (S Main St)** in Joseph, Oregon. 2. Look for the spring near **1005 S. Main St**, on the south end of town near the base of Mt. Joseph. 3. The stainless-steel springbox is visible from the road.
Water Safety Disclaimer
Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.
Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.
Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.
By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.
Quick Facts
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Tips
Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.
Accessible by road — pull off carefully.
Parking available nearby.
Open 24/7 — visit anytime.
Safety Info
Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.
Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.
Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.