Henry Cowell Spring

## Overview Henry Cowell Spring is a natural water source nestled along Highway 9 near the entrance to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The spring is piped from a natural source higher up the mountainside, delivering a steady flow of water to a collection point just off the highway. Situated in the lush, redwood-covered foothills between Scotts Valley and Felton, this roadside spring has long been a convenient stop for locals and travelers passing through the area. Visitors have historically used the spring as a drinking water source, and it remains a popular spot for filling up bottles. The surrounding landscape is defined by towering coast redwoods and the cool, shaded canyons typical of the San Lorenzo Valley. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, one of the oldest parks in the California state park system, protects some of the most impressive old-growth redwood groves in the region — and this spring sits right at its doorstep. ## Directions 1. Travel south on **Highway 9** from Scotts Valley toward Felton. 2. Watch for signs directing you to **Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park**. 3. Just after the park entrance signs, look to your **right side** — the spring is located immediately off the highway. 4. The spring is hard to miss; the piped outlet is visible from the road. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.019984, -122.06291 **Nearest Address:** 2865 State Route 9, Felton, CA 95018 ## What to Expect The spring flows from a pipe that collects water from a natural spring bed located up the mountain above the highway. The water runs continuously and is easy to access from the roadside — no hiking required. The setup is straightforward: a pipe delivers the spring water to a collection point where visitors can fill containers directly. The area is shaded by the dense redwood and mixed evergreen forest that characterizes this stretch of the San Lorenzo Valley. Expect cool, damp conditions even during warmer months, as the tree canopy keeps temperatures mild. Highway 9 can be a busy road, especially on weekends when visitors flock to the redwood parks, so use caution when pulling over and parking. Because the spring is right off the highway, access is year-round, though water flow may vary seasonally — expect stronger flow during and after the winter rainy season (November through March). The water has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals, though water quality can fluctuate and has not been independently verified. If you're visiting the spring, consider combining your stop with a trip into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which offers miles of trails through old-growth redwood groves, the San Lorenzo River, and the famous Redwood Grove Loop Trail — one of the most accessible old-growth experiences in California.