Bigelow Springs

## Overview Bigelow Springs is a public drinking spring located in the heart of Olympia, Washington, nestled along Bigelow Avenue NE in Thurston County. Situated within the city's parks system, this spring has been recognized by the City of Olympia as a notable natural water feature and is listed among the city's parks and trails. The spring sits at an elevation typical of the southern Puget Sound lowlands, an area shaped by glacial activity that left behind layers of permeable gravel and sand — ideal geology for producing natural springs. Olympia and the surrounding Thurston County region are home to numerous artesian wells and natural springs, fed by the deep aquifers of the regional groundwater system. Bigelow Springs is part of this broader hydrological landscape that has provided water to residents and indigenous peoples for centuries. The Lushootseed-speaking peoples of the southern Salish Sea region long relied on natural springs throughout the area as sources of fresh water. While this spring has been historically used as a public drinking water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary over time and conditions may change. The spring has not been independently confirmed for current water quality or flow status — if you've visited recently, community reports are welcome. ## Directions 1. From downtown Olympia, head northeast on State Avenue NE. 2. Turn right (east) onto Bigelow Avenue NE. 3. Continue along Bigelow Avenue NE toward the 900 block. 4. The spring is located near **930 Bigelow Avenue NE, Olympia, WA 98506**. 5. GPS coordinates: **47.050345, -122.890346** The spring is within city limits and should be accessible by car or on foot. Street parking is typically available along Bigelow Avenue NE. ## What to Expect Bigelow Springs is an urban spring within the City of Olympia's park system, making it relatively easy to access compared to more remote natural springs. The surrounding neighborhood is residential, and the spring area is maintained as part of the city's parks and trails network. Visitors should note that the current flow status and accessibility of the spring may vary seasonally. The Pacific Northwest climate means the area receives significant rainfall, particularly from October through May, which can influence spring output. Summer months may see reduced flow. Because this spring is managed by the City of Olympia, additional information — including any posted water quality notices or seasonal closures — may be available through the city's Parks, Arts & Recreation department. The city has historically maintained a webpage for Bigelow Springs at their official site, which may provide the most up-to-date status information. If you visit Bigelow Springs, consider exploring other nearby natural water features in the Olympia area, which is renowned for its artesian wells and springs throughout the downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods.