Summit Springs

## Overview Summit Springs is a roadside public drinking spring located along Highway 83 in Missoula County, Montana, east of Seeley Lake. Situated on a hillside just off the highway, this cold-water spring has long been a convenient stop for travelers, locals, and outdoor enthusiasts passing through the scenic Seeley-Swan Valley. The water flows from a pipe that exits the hillside, delivering an impressively strong flow rate — visitors have reported it can fill a gallon jug in just two to three seconds. The water has been described as clean, cold, and crystal clear, and the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by those traveling through the area. The spring sits at an elevation consistent with the surrounding Northern Rocky Mountain terrain, where snowmelt and subsurface geology feed numerous natural springs. Summit Springs is one of several roadside pipe springs found along Montana's mountain highways, a tradition dating back to early road-building days when engineers would route natural spring water through pipes to provide refreshment for travelers. ## Directions 1. From Seeley Lake, Montana, head north on **Highway 83** (also known as the Seeley-Swan Highway). 2. Watch for the spring on the **east side of the highway**, where a pipe emerges from the hillside. 3. There is a small pull-off area adjacent to the spring that can accommodate approximately **2 to 3 vehicles**. 4. The GPS coordinates **47.372827, -113.614669** will guide you directly to the location. *Note: The spring is right along the highway, so no hiking or trail access is required.* ## What to Expect Summit Springs is an easy, no-hike roadside stop. The spring flows from a pipe set into the hillside directly next to Highway 83, making it one of the most accessible natural springs in the Seeley Lake area. The pull-off is small — room for about two to three cars — so during busy summer weekends, you may need to wait briefly or park carefully. The water flow is notably strong, capable of filling a gallon container in roughly two to three seconds, so bringing large jugs is practical here. Visitors have consistently reported the water as cold, clean, and clear. **A note on current conditions:** The pipe has sustained some damage over the years from highway department snowplows striking it during winter road clearing. Despite this damage, the spring continues to flow. However, visitors should be aware that the pipe's condition may have changed further since last reported, and it's worth inspecting the outlet before collecting water. The surrounding Seeley-Swan Valley offers stunning mountain scenery, with dense conifer forests and views of the Mission Mountains and Swan Range. Summit Springs makes an excellent quick stop while exploring the area's many lakes, trails, and campgrounds.