From Portland, 42 miles west on Hwy 26 towards the coast, near mile marker 28. Blue signs saying, “Drinking Water”. Fountains and faucets on both sides of the road within hundreds of feet of one another. If coming from Portland, first of two sources will be located on the right side of the road. First of two sources on the right if you are coming from the coast as well. I read a chat mentioning that the water was tested and it was some of the best they have seen. I have yet to test it my self so don’t take my word for it. As soon as I can afford the equipment I will test and update the entry. My personal body test, tells me it tastes and feels great.
This water fuels my families lives and the same for many other. It is the only way we can get un-adulterated water to thrive off of.
If you close the taps, water stops flowing, and bacteria and algae can grow in this stagnant water, contaminating the pipes. PLEASE always leave the taps open to allow the water to flow freely. It’s not tap water, it will flow just the same elsewhere if you close the tap and then the end result will be less pure when we do turn it on again. FLOWING water is HEALING water.
With basically everything now monitized, this spring truly is a treasure. I grew up at the coast and have known about and used this spring throughout my entire life.
Just got to thinking about it again, as we live in Pdx and want some amazing fresh spring water. Headed there tomorrow to fill up. I will write a follow-up post if there is anything recent worth noting.
As of this date, the water is still tasting great. Check out the water report left in these comments for great info, that was so nice for someone to test this water.
Once again, someone broke of the little spigot someone had generously installed, but the water still flows freely and it is easy to fill your bottles. This source is a treasure because with destinations that you have to hike into – obviously it is difficult to take 3 gallon glass carboys and get signficant amount of water. Portlanders who read this – take action today. Nestle is posturing for control of Bull Run water. We will get the Willamette (super fund site) in return. We own this planet, stop the exploitation.
I must have driven by this place dozens of times. Never took the time before last weekend. I’m glad I did. The water tastes great. I tested the PH already and its definitely 7.0+ on the Alkaline side. Will be getting a basic particle tester and compare it to Portland tap water for fun. Going to drive from Portland and fill up a few carboys every week or so.
I’m a native Oregonian who has lived in Washington County for over 60 years and stopped at the springs for the very first time on 10-14-2018, while heading to Cannon Beach. The westbound side was flowing freely without any kind of a valve, just a straight pipe. WOW…this water is amazing!
This spring is flowing nicely. It takes about a minute and a half to fill a 6 gallon jug from the spout on the north side. Dress warm, it’s cold up there. If you are heading west on hwy 26, it’s about a 35 minute drive from the new Hillsboro golf driving range. On the other side of hwy 26 from the range, (the north side) is a home-brewing supply store which sells these jugs, how convenient is that? I’m not used to wild spring water and the only way I can explain the taste is it has a very light perfume flavor. It’s pretty good, I drank about 3 or 4 cups worth on the way home. No problems, so that taste is probably normal. Time and date at this location; 5:30 pm, 12/20/2016
Thanks so much for everyones feedback about this spring! I just moved from Cleveland where we had a super luxurious nature-made spring at a country club and am still hoping to find good water here in Oregon. Has anyone gone recently? I’ll be heading out there tomorrow without any expectations.
My Wife and I have lived in Seaside for about 14 years, and go to Portland or inland quite a number of time each year .. and Every Time we do so, we stop on the way home (day or night) and fill up as many containers as we have. (I have 3 7 gallon jugs and a LOT of 1 gallon containers)
This last week we filled up the 3 7gal jugs and about 40 1 gallon containers.
We have seen the spigot(s) in various states of damage, but have always been able to manage (sometimes entailing on the spot repairs or juryrigging)
Check It Out, folks – It is a Great resource
Was at Sunset Springs mid-week – filled everything I could carry in the back of my vehicle. Spent a few days at the coast, filled things again on my way back. This is delicious water, well worth the trip. Need to invest in 3 or 4 BPH-free jugs. I’d love to have glass, but the weight factor is not in my favor (old lady, tempermental back:)
My husband and I have been collecting water from Sunset Springs (mile post 28) for years. It is routinely monitored by Clatsop County (yearly test results available). According to one member of the inspection team, it’s the purest water in the State. Still, I’m glad to see Anne Marie’s results! [Thank you!] Sadly, the faucets are frequently vandalized or missing entirely. My husband has replaced it at least 3 times and we’ve talked with others who have done the same. Now, we carry a spare (and wrench) just to be prepared.
I am planning to head up to this spring in a few hours and just noticed your comment. I am coming from McMinnville and I am bringing my seven-year-old grandson. We don’t want to be disappointed if the faucet is vandalized, removed or whatever. I want to bring my own. Do you remember the size? 1/2″? 3/4″? Not sure whether you get this in time, but thought I’d try!
I have gone about 6 times this year, and each time the tap KNOB was broken off, but the water was coming out, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Also, there are two faucets (one for each side of the road), so if one doesn’t work, go to the other one. I wouldn’t worry about it, but if you’re concerned about it, take a vice grip just in case. You likely won’t need it though.
Thank you SO much for repairing the spring. I have gone up there and found it vandalized (faucet broke off or knob missing while in the off position).
It just amazes me why people do this.. yah yah I know… vandalism is senseless, but after traveling quite a way to get the water to find that I’m unable to, is really upsetting to me and others.
Again, Thank you for helping others enjoy this wonderful and energizing water!
Sorry about the squished up tables in that report – it all looked okay, until I hit the button to post. Basically, the water meets USEPA standards and tested negative for pesticides/PCB’s. Volatile Organic Compounds were positive only for Methylene Chloride at 2.55ppb (MCL is 3) and Hexane at 2.69ppb (no MCL given).
Again, I am sorry the report itself is so difficult to read on the previous post.
First Off, thanks for the water report Anne Marie.
A real quick google search makes me wonder if the Methylene Chloride levels are due to plastic pipe being used within the spout as one of its uses appears to be joining plastic pipes? Any thoughts? As for the Hexane, I would guess its source is probably because the spring is so close to the road that the gas fumes are contaminating the spring?
When I looked up Methylene Chloride after the report showed its presence in the water I found “Most of the methylene chloride released to the environment results from its use as an end product by various industries and the use of aerosol products and paint removers in the home.” I don’t know how that could occur in that area, but I collected the specimen straight from the tap (as opposed to putting it into a plastic bottle and bringing it home to test).
Your theory on the Hexane is what I guessed, as well… but I found this “If hexane is spilled into a lake or river, a very small portion will dissolve in the water, but most will float on the surface. The hexane will then evaporate into the air. The hexane dissolved in the water can be broken down by certain types of bacteria, although it is not known how long this takes.”
This has been my only source of drinking water for well over 5 years. I cannot figure out what materials the pipes are made from. I’m surprised I’ve not seen any comments about this… I want to make sure I’m not consuming lead or other unsafe contaminants. The water itself is good. What about the pipes?
I ventured out here today for the first time (!!!) The water is flowing strong and tastes incredible. Definitely the best water I’ve ever tasted <3 I'm excited to make the trip out here every couple of weeks. So much gratitude for this spring happy harvesting!
I LOVE this spring, and a dear friend of mine depends on it for his life, visiting it weekly. He also maintains it, as it seems that vandals often destroy the outlet pipes. Recently he met with one of the highway managers who seemed very unhappy about the use of the springs, including the regular vandalization of the pipes. He gave the impression that the springs were in danger of being shut down. As my friend doesn’t use these interwebs much, he asked me to post to let folks know of this tragic possibility, and to raise awareness to ensure the longevity of the springs. I’m not sure where else to flag this, but this website seemed like a good first step. I welcome other input.
Please thank your friend for his maintainence of such a wonderful resource. I sincerely hope that no governing body is foolish enough to shut this spring down. The water would just go down the drain in that case.
We are so lucky to have this resource available to us.
If this disgusting vandalism continues, lets put some trail-cams in the trees and catch these criminals.
Hi there,I check your new stuff named “Mile Marker 28 Spring, Portland, Oregon « Find A Spring” on a regular basis.Your story-telling style is witty, keep it up! And you can look our website about proxy free list.
Visited this spring today for the first time. Wonderfully tasting, clean, clear water. It is easy to access, right off Hwy 26, and well marked by blue road signs. It is about a mile before the rest area when heading from Portland west towards the coast.
Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.
The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.
FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.
Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.
Filling 2.5 Gallon Alive Waters Jug
When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.
When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.
How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.
How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.
I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.
Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.
Written by Dakota Chanel. Water Priestess and Ceremonialist. DakotaChanel.com
Do you have info you'd like to add to the main spring description or perhaps a more accurate gps coordinate?
Please start by making a comment on this spring's page with any additional info, or something that you feel should be changed to reflect more accurate data. After your comment is liked by enough community members, this will validate the improved information.
Please notify us if an update with enough likes hasn't been updated in the description yet.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
Chris
PLEASE LEAVE THE TAPS OPEN.
This water fuels my families lives and the same for many other. It is the only way we can get un-adulterated water to thrive off of.
If you close the taps, water stops flowing, and bacteria and algae can grow in this stagnant water, contaminating the pipes. PLEASE always leave the taps open to allow the water to flow freely. It’s not tap water, it will flow just the same elsewhere if you close the tap and then the end result will be less pure when we do turn it on again. FLOWING water is HEALING water.
With basically everything now monitized, this spring truly is a treasure. I grew up at the coast and have known about and used this spring throughout my entire life.
Just got to thinking about it again, as we live in Pdx and want some amazing fresh spring water. Headed there tomorrow to fill up. I will write a follow-up post if there is anything recent worth noting.
Love & light all.
We just stopped here for the first time and filled our water containers. It was very easy to access and the water is fresh, clean and delicious!
As of this date, the water is still tasting great. Check out the water report left in these comments for great info, that was so nice for someone to test this water.
Once again, someone broke of the little spigot someone had generously installed, but the water still flows freely and it is easy to fill your bottles. This source is a treasure because with destinations that you have to hike into – obviously it is difficult to take 3 gallon glass carboys and get signficant amount of water. Portlanders who read this – take action today. Nestle is posturing for control of Bull Run water. We will get the Willamette (super fund site) in return. We own this planet, stop the exploitation.
I must have driven by this place dozens of times. Never took the time before last weekend. I’m glad I did. The water tastes great. I tested the PH already and its definitely 7.0+ on the Alkaline side. Will be getting a basic particle tester and compare it to Portland tap water for fun. Going to drive from Portland and fill up a few carboys every week or so.
I’m a native Oregonian who has lived in Washington County for over 60 years and stopped at the springs for the very first time on 10-14-2018, while heading to Cannon Beach. The westbound side was flowing freely without any kind of a valve, just a straight pipe. WOW…this water is amazing!
This spring is flowing nicely. It takes about a minute and a half to fill a 6 gallon jug from the spout on the north side. Dress warm, it’s cold up there. If you are heading west on hwy 26, it’s about a 35 minute drive from the new Hillsboro golf driving range. On the other side of hwy 26 from the range, (the north side) is a home-brewing supply store which sells these jugs, how convenient is that? I’m not used to wild spring water and the only way I can explain the taste is it has a very light perfume flavor. It’s pretty good, I drank about 3 or 4 cups worth on the way home. No problems, so that taste is probably normal. Time and date at this location; 5:30 pm, 12/20/2016
Thanks so much for everyones feedback about this spring! I just moved from Cleveland where we had a super luxurious nature-made spring at a country club and am still hoping to find good water here in Oregon. Has anyone gone recently? I’ll be heading out there tomorrow without any expectations.
Thanks!
My Wife and I have lived in Seaside for about 14 years, and go to Portland or inland quite a number of time each year .. and Every Time we do so, we stop on the way home (day or night) and fill up as many containers as we have. (I have 3 7 gallon jugs and a LOT of 1 gallon containers)
This last week we filled up the 3 7gal jugs and about 40 1 gallon containers.
We have seen the spigot(s) in various states of damage, but have always been able to manage (sometimes entailing on the spot repairs or juryrigging)
Check It Out, folks – It is a Great resource
Was at Sunset Springs mid-week – filled everything I could carry in the back of my vehicle. Spent a few days at the coast, filled things again on my way back. This is delicious water, well worth the trip. Need to invest in 3 or 4 BPH-free jugs. I’d love to have glass, but the weight factor is not in my favor (old lady, tempermental back:)
My husband and I have been collecting water from Sunset Springs (mile post 28) for years. It is routinely monitored by Clatsop County (yearly test results available). According to one member of the inspection team, it’s the purest water in the State. Still, I’m glad to see Anne Marie’s results! [Thank you!] Sadly, the faucets are frequently vandalized or missing entirely. My husband has replaced it at least 3 times and we’ve talked with others who have done the same. Now, we carry a spare (and wrench) just to be prepared.
I am planning to head up to this spring in a few hours and just noticed your comment. I am coming from McMinnville and I am bringing my seven-year-old grandson. We don’t want to be disappointed if the faucet is vandalized, removed or whatever. I want to bring my own. Do you remember the size? 1/2″? 3/4″? Not sure whether you get this in time, but thought I’d try!
so sorry, but have no clue whatsoever. Blessings in your findings!
I have gone about 6 times this year, and each time the tap KNOB was broken off, but the water was coming out, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Also, there are two faucets (one for each side of the road), so if one doesn’t work, go to the other one. I wouldn’t worry about it, but if you’re concerned about it, take a vice grip just in case. You likely won’t need it though.
Thank you SO much for repairing the spring. I have gone up there and found it vandalized (faucet broke off or knob missing while in the off position).
It just amazes me why people do this.. yah yah I know… vandalism is senseless, but after traveling quite a way to get the water to find that I’m unable to, is really upsetting to me and others.
Again, Thank you for helping others enjoy this wonderful and energizing water!
Sorry about the squished up tables in that report – it all looked okay, until I hit the button to post. Basically, the water meets USEPA standards and tested negative for pesticides/PCB’s. Volatile Organic Compounds were positive only for Methylene Chloride at 2.55ppb (MCL is 3) and Hexane at 2.69ppb (no MCL given).
Again, I am sorry the report itself is so difficult to read on the previous post.
First Off, thanks for the water report Anne Marie.
A real quick google search makes me wonder if the Methylene Chloride levels are due to plastic pipe being used within the spout as one of its uses appears to be joining plastic pipes? Any thoughts? As for the Hexane, I would guess its source is probably because the spring is so close to the road that the gas fumes are contaminating the spring?
When I looked up Methylene Chloride after the report showed its presence in the water I found “Most of the methylene chloride released to the environment results from its use as an end product by various industries and the use of aerosol products and paint removers in the home.” I don’t know how that could occur in that area, but I collected the specimen straight from the tap (as opposed to putting it into a plastic bottle and bringing it home to test).
Your theory on the Hexane is what I guessed, as well… but I found this “If hexane is spilled into a lake or river, a very small portion will dissolve in the water, but most will float on the surface. The hexane will then evaporate into the air. The hexane dissolved in the water can be broken down by certain types of bacteria, although it is not known how long this takes.”
Bought some equipment on ebay. I'll go test this baby when it arrives so we can get some more data.
Love this spring. Easy access on both sides of 26. Clean tap and amazing water.
This has been my only source of drinking water for well over 5 years. I cannot figure out what materials the pipes are made from. I’m surprised I’ve not seen any comments about this… I want to make sure I’m not consuming lead or other unsafe contaminants. The water itself is good. What about the pipes?
I ventured out here today for the first time (!!!) The water is flowing strong and tastes incredible. Definitely the best water I’ve ever tasted <3 I'm excited to make the trip out here every couple of weeks. So much gratitude for this spring
happy harvesting!
I LOVE this spring, and a dear friend of mine depends on it for his life, visiting it weekly. He also maintains it, as it seems that vandals often destroy the outlet pipes. Recently he met with one of the highway managers who seemed very unhappy about the use of the springs, including the regular vandalization of the pipes. He gave the impression that the springs were in danger of being shut down. As my friend doesn’t use these interwebs much, he asked me to post to let folks know of this tragic possibility, and to raise awareness to ensure the longevity of the springs. I’m not sure where else to flag this, but this website seemed like a good first step. I welcome other input.
The eastbound spring now has two new brass faucets, but one was frozen when I stopped on 12/10/17
During the Winter months, please leave the faucets running to prevent freezing. The water is NOT BEING WASTED when you leave the faucets running!!!
Please thank your friend for his maintainence of such a wonderful resource. I sincerely hope that no governing body is foolish enough to shut this spring down. The water would just go down the drain in that case.
Both sides active and flowing, just drove by but kids were asleep. DARN, we will hit it on the return trip
We are so lucky to have this resource available to us.
If this disgusting vandalism continues, lets put some trail-cams in the trees and catch these criminals.
Hi there,I check your new stuff named “Mile Marker 28 Spring, Portland, Oregon « Find A Spring” on a regular basis.Your story-telling style is witty, keep it up! And you can look our website about proxy free list.
Visited this spring today for the first time. Wonderfully tasting, clean, clear water. It is easy to access, right off Hwy 26, and well marked by blue road signs. It is about a mile before the rest area when heading from Portland west towards the coast.
Just collected some today. Had really nice faucets and looked well kept. Water tasted awesome. I will definitely be back.