Ninilchik, Alaska Spring

## Overview Nestled along the rural roads outside the small village of Ninilchik on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, this public drinking spring has served as a local water source for area residents and travelers. Ninilchik itself is a historic community with roots tracing back to Russian-era settlers in the mid-1800s, situated along the Sterling Highway between Soldotna and Homer with stunning views of Cook Inlet and the volcanic peaks beyond. The spring is located off the Oil Well Road corridor, roughly at mile marker 16, in a quiet, wooded stretch of the peninsula's interior. The water from this spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals, though as with any natural spring, conditions can change over time. The spring sits at an elevation consistent with the rolling terrain of the western Kenai Peninsula, where groundwater is filtered through layers of glacial sediment — a geological feature common to the region that often produces clear, cold water. ## Directions 1. From the Sterling Highway (AK-1) in Ninilchik, turn onto **Kingsley Road** heading inland. 2. Kingsley Road transitions into **Oil Well Road** — continue driving along this road. 3. At approximately **mile marker 16**, look for a small pullout on the **left-hand side** of the road, situated below a hill. 4. The spring is located near this pullout area, in the vicinity of **Freddie's Roadhouse Restaurant**, which can serve as a helpful landmark. **GPS Coordinates:** 60.017622, -151.329351 **Nearest Address:** 54750 Anderson Ave, Ninilchik, AK 99639 ## What to Expect The spring is accessed via a small roadside pullout, making it relatively easy to reach by vehicle — though the road is unpaved and rural in character. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Kenai Peninsula interior: spruce forest, rolling hills, and a quiet, remote atmosphere. **Winter visitors should exercise extra caution**, as Oil Well Road can become icy and slippery during the colder months. Four-wheel drive or studded tires are strongly recommended if visiting between October and April. Freddie's Roadhouse, located nearby, is a well-known local eatery famous for its hearty breakfasts and homemade pies — making it a worthwhile stop before or after collecting water. The area around Ninilchik also offers excellent opportunities for clam digging, fishing on the Ninilchik River, and exploring the photogenic Russian Orthodox church perched on a bluff above the old village.