Stevens Pass Spring

## Overview Stevens Pass Spring is a cold natural spring located at the base of the Stevens Pass Ski Area in the Cascade Range of Washington State. Situated along the NE Stevens Pass Highway (US Route 2) near the community of Skykomish, this spring sits at an elevation of approximately 4,061 feet — right at the crest of the Cascades where the highway crosses the divide between King County and Chelan County. The spring has been tapped with a pipe that feeds into a water fountain, making it one of the more conveniently accessible natural springs in the central Cascades. Cold, mountain-fed water flows from the spring year-round, though access may vary seasonally depending on ski area operations and snow conditions. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and refreshing — a welcome find for hikers, skiers, and travelers crossing the pass. ## Directions 1. From Seattle, head east on US Route 2 (Stevens Pass Highway) for approximately 78 miles. 2. Continue through the town of Skykomish and up the winding mountain highway toward Stevens Pass. 3. Arrive at the Stevens Pass Ski Area (address: 93001 NE Stevens Pass Hwy, Skykomish, WA 98288). 4. At the ski area, head to the base of the mountain. 5. Look for the spring behind the rope line at the base area. The spring is piped into a water fountain. 6. If you have trouble locating it, the mountain staff are reportedly happy to point you in the right direction. **GPS Coordinates:** 47.7448334, -121.0889884 ## What to Expect The spring emerges at the base of the mountain at Stevens Pass Ski Area and is channeled through a pipe into a water fountain for easy access. The water is cold, as you'd expect from a high-elevation Cascade spring fed by snowmelt and mountain aquifers. The spring is located behind a rope at the base area, so it may not be immediately obvious to first-time visitors. Don't hesitate to ask ski area staff for help finding it — they are familiar with the spring and reportedly happy to guide visitors. Keep in mind that Stevens Pass is a high-elevation mountain pass that receives heavy snowfall in winter. During ski season, the area is bustling and accessible, but the spring fountain's availability may depend on seasonal operations. In summer, the ski area is typically quieter but the highway remains open, and the spring may still be accessible. The surrounding scenery features dense Pacific Northwest forest and dramatic Cascade peaks — well worth the drive even beyond the spring itself.