The Welaka Spring pool measures 60 ft (18.3 m) north to south and 90 ft (27.4 m) east to west. The spring pool area is relatively shallow, averaging 5 ft (1.5 m) deep. A sizeable double boil can be seen over the spring vent. The bottom is sand with increased organic particle deposition downstream. The water is clear near the spring boil, but dark water from the St. Johns River mixes with spring water a short distance downstream from the spring. This spring emits an odor of hydrogen sulfide. The pool banks on north and east sides are steep, rising to approximately 15 ft (4.5 m) higher than the spring.
There are remains of an old dock or jumping platform on the northeast side of the spring pool. The current in the wide run is very slow. The wide, slow-moving spring run is 1,200 ft (365.7 m) long and up to 200 ft (60.9 m) wide. It is naturally impounded by the nearby St. Johns River. Land around the spring pool and along the northern side of the spring run is undeveloped and forested. Several private residences are located along the south side of the spring run approximately 500 ft (152.4 m) downstream from the spring. There is a large Native American shell midden at the confluence with the river on the north side of the spring mouth.
Welaka Spring is located on the east bank of the St. Johns River approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Welaka. From the east end of the US 17 bridge over the St. Johns River, travel approximately 11.1 miles (17.9 km) east then south and southwest to the junction of US 17 with CR 309. Turn southwest (right) on CR 309 and drive approximately 5.5 miles (8.8 km) to Welaka. The spring can be accessed by boating one mile downstream on the St. Johns River from the Welaka public boat ramp or by driving 1.2 miles (1.9 km) north on SR 309 from the junction with SR 308B; turn west (left) on a sand trail and bear north for 0.1 mile to the spring pool.
I tried to access the spring by a formerly-published route but found it blocked off my private property. A local jogger clued me into a nearby marina that rents canoes. I will investigate the next time I'm in the area.
