Spring at Cottonwood River

## Overview The Spring at Cottonwood River is a roadside natural spring located along Highway 97, approximately 20 km northeast of Quesnel in the Miworth area of British Columbia. Situated near the Cottonwood River crossing, this spring has been used by travelers and locals as a convenient freshwater stop. There are actually two separate spring outlets at this location, both easily accessible from a highway pullout on the east side of the road. Visitors have historically used these springs as a drinking water source, and the location's proximity to the highway makes it a popular refill point for those traveling through the region. The Cottonwood River area sits within the Interior Plateau of British Columbia, where groundwater fed by snowmelt and rainfall percolates through layers of glacial sediment and volcanic rock before emerging as springs. The surrounding landscape is characterized by boreal forest, rolling terrain, and the winding path of the Cottonwood River — a tributary of the Fraser River that has played a role in the region's history since the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush. ## Directions 1. From **Quesnel, BC**, head northeast on **Highway 97** toward Prince George. 2. Drive approximately **20 km** along Highway 97. 3. Watch for a **pullout on the east (right) side** of the highway — it is marked by garbage cans. 4. The **first spring** is located on the **left side of the garbage cans** at the pullout. 5. The **second spring** is situated just **above the pullout**, slightly uphill from the parking area. 6. GPS coordinates: **53.9273, -122.7671** (near 2230 Cameron St, Miworth, BC). *The pullout is easy to miss at highway speed — keep an eye out for the garbage cans as your landmark.* ## What to Expect This is a straightforward, roadside spring stop with two separate water outlets. The pullout on the east side of Highway 97 provides easy parking and quick access — no hiking required. The first spring flows near ground level beside the garbage cans at the pullout, while the second emerges just above the pullout area on a slight rise. The springs flow year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally, with stronger output during spring snowmelt and potentially reduced flow in late summer. The surrounding area is forested and relatively quiet despite the highway proximity. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh, though as with any natural spring, water quality can change over time and no guarantees of potability should be assumed. Bring containers if you plan to collect water. The pullout is a quick stop — there are no facilities beyond the garbage cans, and no formal trails or signage. The location is well-suited for a brief pause on a longer drive between Quesnel and Prince George.