Lake Hemet Spring, Mountain Center, CA

## Overview Lake Hemet Spring is a natural spring located near the shores of Lake Hemet in Mountain Center, California, within the scenic San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County. Situated along State Highway 74 (also known as the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway), the spring emerges near the South Fork of the San Jacinto River, close to the first of three bridges that cross over marshy wetland areas on the eastern approach to the lake. Lake Hemet itself sits at approximately 4,340 feet elevation in a mountain valley surrounded by pine and oak woodlands, and the spring benefits from the area's mountain watershed. A TDS (total dissolved solids) reading of 141 ppm has been reported at this spring, which falls within a relatively low mineral content range. Local residents have been known to collect water here, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and rainfall. The spring is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ## Directions 1. Travel along **State Highway 74 (Palms to Pines Scenic Byway)** toward Lake Hemet, approaching from the east side of the lake. 2. As you drive along the highway near the lake, you will cross over three bridges that span marshy wetland areas fed by the **South Fork of the San Jacinto River**. 3. The spring is located on the **south side of the road at the first bridge** you encounter. 4. Look for the spring on the **lakeside (north-facing slope)** of the highway, near the bridge over the South Fork San Jacinto River. 5. The spring can be found at the end of the road near this bridge — keep an eye out as it is not prominently signed. **GPS Coordinates:** 33.664604, -116.668152 ## What to Expect The spring is situated in a lush, marshy area where the South Fork of the San Jacinto River feeds into Lake Hemet. The surrounding landscape features the characteristic mountain terrain of the San Jacinto range — expect pine-dotted hillsides, open meadows, and the peaceful ambiance of a mountain lake setting. The spring is roadside and relatively easy to access from Highway 74, though it is not heavily marked, so you may need to look carefully near the first bridge on the eastern approach. The marshy wetlands around the bridges are a notable landmark to help orient yourself. Local visitors have been observed collecting water from this spring. A TDS reading of 141 ppm has been recorded, suggesting relatively low mineral content, though water quality should not be assumed to remain constant — seasonal changes, rainfall, and other environmental factors can affect natural spring water. The area around Lake Hemet offers additional recreation including fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking, making the spring a worthwhile stop as part of a broader visit to this beautiful mountain destination. The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (Highway 74) is itself a stunning drive, connecting the desert floor near Palm Desert to the mountain communities of the San Jacinto range.