Wagonhammer Spring

## Overview Wagonhammer Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along US Highway 93, just a few minutes south of the small community of North Fork, Idaho, in Lemhi County. Nestled in the mountainous terrain of central Idaho — where the Salmon River corridor cuts through the Bitterroot Range — this spring delivers fresh, cold water straight from the surrounding mountains. Visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing, making it a popular stop for travelers, hikers, and locals alike. The spring sits at an elevation near the confluence of the North Fork of the Salmon River and the main Salmon River, an area rich in outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The name "Wagonhammer" echoes the region's frontier heritage, when wagon roads and early settlers carved routes through these rugged Idaho mountains. US Highway 93 itself follows a historic corridor that has served as a travel route for centuries, first by indigenous peoples and later by fur trappers, miners, and homesteaders. ## Directions 1. From **North Fork, Idaho**, head south on **US Highway 93**. 2. The spring is located roadside along the highway, just a few minutes south of town. 3. Look for the spring near the address marker **1854 US Hwy 93, North Fork, ID 83466**. 4. GPS coordinates: **45.38953, -113.96583** — plug these into your navigation app for a precise location. 5. The spring is accessible directly from the highway, so no hiking or off-road driving is required. ## What to Expect Wagonhammer Spring is a convenient, easy-to-access roadside spring right off US Highway 93. The water flows naturally from the mountainside, and visitors have consistently praised its fresh, crisp taste. Because it is located along a major highway corridor, the spring is easy to pull over and visit — no trail or special equipment is needed. The surrounding landscape is classic central Idaho: forested mountain slopes, the nearby Salmon River, and wide-open skies. The area is a gateway to some of Idaho's most spectacular backcountry, including the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. If you're passing through on your way to or from Salmon, Challis, or the Stanley Basin, Wagonhammer Spring makes an excellent stop to fill up water bottles and take in the scenery. The spring flows year-round, though water volume may vary seasonally. As with any natural spring, water conditions can change, and the water has not been officially certified as potable — though it has historically been used as a drinking water source by travelers and residents in the area.