Ice House Natural Spring

## Overview Ice House Natural Spring is a public drinking spring located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, near the community of Ice House in El Dorado County. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet along the Crystal Basin Recreation Area corridor, this spring sits in a region renowned for its pristine alpine water sources, dense conifer forests, and rugged granite terrain. The name "Ice House" traces back to the area's 19th-century history, when ice was harvested from nearby Ice House Reservoir and transported to Sacramento and San Francisco for refrigeration before the age of modern cooling. The surrounding Crystal Basin area is fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada crest, and the region's springs are known for their cold, clear water filtered through layers of granite and volcanic rock. The spring is located at GPS coordinates 38.9142657022381, -120.388688218048, placing it along or near Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), a well-traveled route into the Eldorado National Forest. Visitors have historically used springs in this area as drinking water sources, though water quality can vary seasonally and conditions may change over time. ## Directions 1. From **Placerville, CA**, head east on **US-50** toward South Lake Tahoe. 2. After approximately 25 miles, take the exit for **Ice House Road (Slab Creek Road / Forest Road 3)** near the Riverton area. 3. Turn left (north) onto **Ice House Road** and follow it into the Eldorado National Forest. 4. Continue along Ice House Road for roughly 10–12 miles. The spring is located near GPS coordinates **38.9142657022381, -120.388688218048** — use a GPS device or mapping app to pinpoint the exact location along the road. 5. Watch for a pullout or turnoff near the spring. Springs in this area are often marked by a pipe or natural flow emerging from the hillside adjacent to the road. *Note: Ice House Road is a paved mountain road but may be closed or difficult to access during winter months due to snow. Check road conditions with the Eldorado National Forest before heading out, especially between November and May.* ## What to Expect The Ice House Natural Spring is set in the heart of the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, surrounded by towering pines, firs, and the dramatic granite landscape of the Sierra Nevada. The area is popular with hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. Springs along Ice House Road typically flow from natural fractures in the granite bedrock, often channeled through a pipe for easy collection. Water temperatures in Sierra Nevada mountain springs tend to be quite cold year-round, often in the 40–50°F range, owing to the high elevation and snowmelt origin. Flow rates may vary with the seasons — expect stronger flow in late spring and early summer as snowpack melts, with potentially reduced flow by late summer and fall. The surrounding area offers excellent recreation opportunities, including nearby **Ice House Reservoir**, **Union Valley Reservoir**, and **Loon Lake**, all of which provide fishing, boating, and swimming. Multiple campgrounds are scattered along Ice House Road, making this a convenient stop for those exploring the Crystal Basin. As with any natural spring, water quality has not been officially tested or guaranteed. While the spring has been used as a public drinking water source by visitors, conditions can change due to weather, wildlife activity, or geological shifts. Visitors who wish to be cautious may choose to treat or filter the water before consumption.