Cle Elum Spring

## Overview Cle Elum Spring is a public drinking spring located in the upper Kittitas County area of Washington State, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range near the town of Cle Elum. Situated at an elevation consistent with the surrounding forested mountain terrain, this spring sits at GPS coordinates 47.33954, -121.10466 — placing it in the scenic corridor between Snoqualmie Pass and the Cle Elum River valley. The name "Cle Elum" derives from the Kittitas (Yakama) word *tlə́qəlúm*, meaning "swift water," a fitting name for a region defined by its abundant natural water sources. The area has long been valued for its clean mountain water, fed by snowmelt and rainfall filtering through the volcanic and metamorphic geology of the central Cascades. Springs in this part of Washington typically emerge from fractured basalt and glacial deposits, producing naturally cold, clear water that has historically been used by both indigenous peoples and settlers. The spring has been listed as a public drinking spring, and visitors have historically used it as a source of fresh water. However, as with any natural water source, conditions can change over time, and water quality cannot be guaranteed. ## Directions 1. From the town of Cle Elum, head west on **State Route 903 (Salmon La Sac Road)** toward the Cle Elum Lake area. 2. Follow the road as it climbs into the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The spring is located at approximately **47.33954, -121.10466** — use these GPS coordinates for precise navigation. 3. Watch for pulloffs or small access points along the road as you approach the coordinates. The spring is situated off the main route in a forested mountain setting. 4. A GPS-enabled device or smartphone with offline maps is recommended, as cell service can be unreliable in this area. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of the area's road network. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the route using a mapping application before heading out.* ## What to Expect The Cle Elum Spring is located in the heart of Washington's Cascade foothills, surrounded by dense coniferous forest typical of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The landscape features towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and ponderosa pine, with mountain views and the sound of nearby creeks and rivers. Springs in this region typically produce cold, clear water year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally — expect stronger flow during spring snowmelt (April through June) and potentially reduced output in late summer and early fall. Winter access may be limited by snow, so plan accordingly if visiting between November and March. The area around Cle Elum is popular with hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous trails and recreation sites nearby. Visitors heading to the spring may want to combine the trip with a visit to Cle Elum Lake, the Teanaway Community Forest, or the many trailheads along the Salmon La Sac corridor. Bring containers if you plan to collect water, and be prepared for variable mountain weather, especially at higher elevations. Road conditions in the national forest can be rough — a vehicle with good clearance is advisable depending on the season.