Silverman Spring, Skamania, WA 98648

## Overview Silverman Spring is a natural hillside spring located in Skamania County, Washington, near the town of North Bonneville in the Columbia River Gorge. The spring emerges from the hillside and has been described by visitors as producing sweet, cold water. Situated in the rugged terrain characteristic of the Gorge's Washington side, the spring lies in close proximity to the Jimmy Cliff rock climbing area — a popular destination for climbers in the region. The surrounding landscape features boulder fields, stands of maple trees, and dense Pacific Northwest brush, making the short hike to the spring a scenic experience in its own right. Skamania County is renowned for its volcanic geology and abundant natural water sources, fed by snowmelt and rainfall filtering through layers of basalt and ancient volcanic rock. Springs in this area often benefit from natural filtration through these geological formations, though water quality can vary with season and conditions. Visitors have reported that the water from Silverman Spring tastes clean and refreshingly cold. ## Directions 1. Head east on **SR-14** (Washington State Route 14) along the Columbia River Gorge, near North Bonneville. 2. Watch for a short skid road (informal access road) branching off to the **right** through the brush. You can either drive the short distance down this skid road or park at the turnoff. 3. From the access point, follow the trail heading **east** for approximately **½ mile**. 4. Cross the **boulder field** along the trail. 5. Look for the **second northernmost group of maple trees** — the spring emerges from the hillside near this landmark. **GPS Coordinates:** 45.67881, -122.05141 *Note: The trail is informal and the turnoff from SR-14 may not be well-marked. Using GPS is recommended. The nearby Jimmy Cliff climbing area can serve as an additional landmark to help orient your approach.* ## What to Expect The hike to Silverman Spring is roughly half a mile along an informal trail that passes through brush and across a boulder field. The terrain is uneven and may require some scrambling, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The spring itself emerges from the hillside amid a grove of maple trees, offering a peaceful, shaded spot. The water flows cold from the hillside and has been reported to taste sweet and clean by those who have visited. As with any wild spring, conditions may change seasonally — flow may be stronger in spring and early summer following snowmelt and rain. The area around the spring is adjacent to the **Jimmy Cliff climbing area**, a well-known sport climbing destination in the Columbia River Gorge. If you're visiting with climbers or looking for additional activities, the crags are nearby. The boulder field you cross on the way to the spring is part of the same rocky landscape that draws climbers to this stretch of the Gorge. The access road and trail are informal, so expect a somewhat rugged approach. There are no facilities or signage at the spring itself. Parking is limited to the shoulder or the start of the skid road off SR-14.