Birch Creek Spring, Dillon, MT 59725

## Overview Birch Creek Spring is a natural spring located in a scenic, rural area near Glen, Montana, roughly 10 miles north of the town of Dillon in Beaverhead County. Nestled in the foothills along Birch Creek, this spring sits about 10–15 feet below road level and feeds through an extruded steel pipe into a small pool approximately three feet in diameter. The water flows at a notably high rate, and visitors have historically reported the water to be fresh and clean-tasting. The spring lies within the broader Birch Creek drainage of southwestern Montana — a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces, where underground aquifers push cold, clear water to the surface through fractured rock and alluvial deposits. Beaverhead County is home to numerous natural springs, many of which have been used as drinking water sources by ranchers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. Birch Creek Spring is one such site, drawing visitors who come both for the water and for the quiet beauty of the surrounding Montana countryside. ## Directions The GPS coordinates for Birch Creek Spring are **45.380417, -112.800187**. 1. **Start in Dillon, Montana** and head north on Interstate 15. 2. Drive approximately **10 miles** until you reach the **Apex exit**. 3. Take the exit and head **west**. 4. Continue for about **5–7 miles**. You will cross a **cattle guard** along the way. 5. After the cattle guard, the road begins to tilt downhill. **Park your vehicle** at a safe pulloff near this point. 6. Walk down the hilly road for a few minutes until you reach the spring, which will be on the **left side of the road**, set about 10–15 feet below the road surface. *Note: The road beyond the cattle guard may be unpaved and rough. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially during wet conditions.* ## What to Expect When you arrive at Birch Creek Spring, you'll find a small, clear pool fed by a steel pipe protruding roughly 1½ inches from the ground. The water flows steadily and at a good rate. Because the pipe sits very low to the ground, **filling large containers can be difficult** — plan on bringing smaller bottles or a flexible container that can be positioned beneath the pipe more easily. The setting is peaceful and distinctly Montana: open rangeland, rolling hills, and the quiet sounds of flowing water and birdsong. The area is remote, so you're unlikely to encounter crowds. There are no facilities at the spring — no restrooms, trash cans, or signage — so pack out everything you bring in. The spring has been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors for many years, and the water has been reported to taste fresh and clean. However, as with any natural, untreated water source, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and no guarantees of safety can be made. Access involves a short walk down a hillside from where you park, so wear sturdy footwear with good traction. The terrain can be uneven and may be slippery when wet. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter conditions in southwestern Montana can make the roads leading to it challenging — snow, ice, and mud are all possibilities from late fall through early spring.