McDonald Pass, Avon, MT

## Overview The McDonald Pass Spring is a natural spring located along Highway 12 near Elliston, Montana, in Powell County. Situated between Elliston and Helena's west side, this roadside spring flows from a pipe set into a rock face, making it easy for passersby to fill containers. The spring is accessible to the public 24/7 at no cost and sits at an elevation consistent with the surrounding Continental Divide landscape of the Helena National Forest area. McDonald Pass itself is a well-known mountain pass along the Continental Divide at approximately 6,320 feet, historically used as a travel corridor through the Rocky Mountains. The pass and surrounding area are rich in mining history, with Elliston having served as a small mining and railroad community since the late 1800s. Springs in this region typically emerge from fractured granite and limestone formations, fed by snowmelt and groundwater percolating through the mountains. Some visitors have reported testing the water with home test kits and finding the results acceptable. However, others have reported gastrointestinal and respiratory issues after drinking the water, so it should not be assumed safe for consumption without proper treatment or testing. ## Directions The spring is located on Highway 12 (Montana Highway 12) between Elliston and Helena's west side. GPS coordinates: **46.560749, -112.320099**. **Coming from Elliston (heading east toward Helena):** 1. Head east on Highway 12 from Elliston. 2. After a short distance, look for the Cromwell Dixon Campground on your **right** side. 3. Pull off and park safely on the shoulder near the campground. 4. Walk a short distance to the **left** (north) side of the highway to find the spring pipe emerging from the rocks. **Coming from Helena / Helena West Side (heading west toward Elliston):** 1. Head west on Highway 12 from Helena. 2. The Cromwell Dixon Campground will appear on your **left** side. 3. Pull off and park safely on the shoulder. 4. Walk a short distance to the **right** (north) side of the highway to find the spring. *Note: Cromwell Dixon Campground is a small U.S. Forest Service campground near McDonald Pass and serves as the primary landmark for locating this spring.* ## What to Expect The spring flows from a pipe that has been set into a natural rock formation along the roadside. The flow rate has been described as decent, making it relatively easy to fill bottles or jugs. The area is rural and remote — there are no stores, services, or significant settlements nearby, so visitors should come prepared with supplies, a charged phone, and a full tank of gas. The surrounding landscape is typical of Montana's Rocky Mountain terrain: dense coniferous forest, rugged rock outcroppings, and mountain meadows. The Cromwell Dixon Campground nearby offers a convenient place to stop and enjoy the area. Wildlife is common in the region, including deer, elk, and bears, so standard backcountry awareness is advised. During winter months, Highway 12 over McDonald Pass can experience heavy snow, ice, and reduced visibility. The spring pipe may freeze or flow may diminish significantly in cold weather. Summer and early fall are the most reliable times to visit. Given the mixed reports about water quality — some visitors finding it acceptable via home testing, others experiencing health issues — the water from this spring should be treated with caution. It has historically been used by travelers along this route, but conditions can change seasonally.