Ashley Lake, Kalispell, Montana, 59901

## Overview Nestled along the scenic road to Ashley Lake in Flathead County, Montana, this public drinking spring flows from a pipe set into the roadside ditch on Ashley Lake Road near Kila. The spring offers year-round public access, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Situated at an elevation in the forested foothills west of Kalispell, the area surrounding Ashley Lake is known for its pristine mountain scenery, clear waters, and abundant wildlife — making this a convenient stop for hikers, campers, and anyone heading out to enjoy the lake and surrounding national forest lands. Ashley Lake itself is a glacially carved lake spanning roughly 1,200 acres, surrounded by the Flathead National Forest. The spring sits at approximately 48.1655°N, 114.5853°W, and visitors have historically used it as a source of fresh drinking water while traveling to and from the lake. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and the water has not been officially tested or certified — visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions 1. From Kalispell, head west on US-2 toward Kila. 2. Turn north (right) onto Ashley Lake Road. 3. Follow Ashley Lake Road as it winds toward Ashley Lake. 4. Watch the left-hand side of the road (the left as you travel toward the lake) for a pipe flowing from the ditch. 5. The spring is located at approximately 5916 Ashley Lake Road, Kila, MT 59920. GPS coordinates: **48.165483, -114.585316**. 6. There is no formal parking area — pull safely off to the shoulder of the road to access the spring. ## What to Expect The spring emerges from a pipe set into the roadside ditch along Ashley Lake Road. It is a simple, no-frills setup — there are no signs, structures, or formal facilities marking the spring. The water flows from the pipe and can be collected directly. The surrounding area is wooded and typical of western Montana's mountain landscape, with coniferous forest lining both sides of the road. Because the spring is right along the road, access is easy and does not require any hiking. It's a popular stop for locals heading to Ashley Lake for fishing, boating, or camping. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter travelers should be prepared for snow and icy road conditions on Ashley Lake Road. In spring and early summer, water flow may be stronger due to snowmelt. The area around Ashley Lake offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing (the lake is stocked with kokanee salmon and westslope cutthroat trout), boating, and camping at the nearby Ashley Lake Campgrounds managed by the U.S. Forest Service.