Wagonhammer Springs, North Fork, ID 83466

## Overview Wagonhammer Springs is a roadside public drinking spring located along US Highway 93, approximately 1.77 miles south of the small mountain community of North Fork, Idaho, in Lemhi County. Nestled in the rugged Salmon River country of central Idaho, this cold, clear spring emerges from a rock wall through a metal pipe, offering travelers a refreshing stop in a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic and sedimentary geology. The spring shares its name with the nearby Wagonhammer Campground, a popular U.S. Forest Service facility along the Salmon River. The name "Wagonhammer" itself evokes the area's frontier heritage — a nod to the wagon trails and early settlers who once traversed this remote corridor through the Bitterroot and Salmon River Mountains. Historically, natural springs like this one served as vital water sources for travelers, miners, and ranchers making their way through Idaho's backcountry. Visitors have long reported the water to be cold and clean-tasting, and the spring has been used as a drinking water source for many years, though water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions 1. From the town of **North Fork, Idaho**, head south on **US Highway 93** (also known as the Salmon River Scenic Byway). 2. Travel approximately **1.77 miles south** along the highway. 3. Watch for a **large pull-off area** on the side of the road. The spring is identifiable by a **metal pipe emerging from a rock wall** and a **concrete outhouse** at the pull-off. 4. The pull-off is spacious enough for larger vehicles and provides easy, roadside access — no hiking required. 5. **GPS Coordinates:** 45.3896416, -113.9659068 The spring is conveniently located near the entrance to **Wagonhammer Campground**, making it an easy stop whether you're passing through or camping in the area. ## What to Expect Wagonhammer Springs is one of the most accessible public drinking springs in the Salmon River region. The water flows from a **metal pipe set into a natural rock wall**, delivering a steady stream of cold spring water. The large highway pull-off provides ample parking, and a **concrete outhouse** is available on-site for convenience. The setting is classic central Idaho — forested mountain slopes, the nearby Salmon River corridor, and wide-open skies. The spring sits at an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet, contributing to the notably cold water temperature even during summer months. Because the spring is right off US Highway 93, it's an ideal quick stop for road-trippers, anglers heading to the Salmon River, or campers using Wagonhammer Campground. Access is flat and paved — no trail or scramble needed. The spring flows year-round, though flow may vary seasonally. During winter months, be aware that road conditions on Highway 93 can be challenging, and the pull-off may not be plowed. Whether you're filling up water bottles on a long drive through Idaho's backcountry or simply stretching your legs at a scenic pullout, Wagonhammer Springs is a worthwhile and easy stop along one of the state's most beautiful highways.