"the road took us to the most distant fountain of the waters of the mighty Missouri in surch (sic) of which we have spent so many toilsome days and wristless (sic) nights." - Meriwether Lewis, August 12, 1805

What's in a name?

In 1921, historians named this spring "Most Distant Fountain," identifying it as the source of water Meriwether Lewis referred to in his journal. Lewis described water "issuing from the base of a low hill" about 1/2 mile below Lemhi Pass.

Was Lewis writing about this spring? We may never really know.

Where Does the Water Come From?

Water from rain and snowmelt seeps into the ground until it meets a solid layer of rock or clay. It pools above these impermeable layers, forming an aquifer. Influenced by gravity, water in an aquifer flows back out to the surface, if it can find a path. It often follows fault lines or factories underground. When water reaches the surface, it appears as a spring.

Erected by Beaverhead-Deerlodge & Salmon-Chaillis National Forest.