Tourism - Free Carbonated Water in Soda Springs, Idaho
Posted by: Chooch72
N 42° 39.424 W 111° 36.313
12T E 450396 N 4722911
Soda Springs Geyser - Idaho's only Freely Carbonated Water
Waymark Code: WM2ATM
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 10/04/2007
Views: 79
In 1937, several Soda Springs attempted to find & divert hot water from nearby Pyramid Spring to develop a commercial bathhouse and health resort. On November 28th, at a depth of 315 feet, their hopes and dreams seemed within reach. The drilling rig struck a gas chamber, and shortly after drilling ceased for the day hot water began gushing upward more than 40 feet. The next day, after the 3,500 pound bit was removed, the ground shook as if it were about to split open and a roaring gusher of more than 70 feet streamed upward from the valve. After several days, the hissing hot water began to cool and become laden with mineral content (hard water), rendering it undesirable for use as a bathhouse. Two weeks later, the drilling riggers were able to finally cap the gusher.
Within weeks, the Secretary of the Interior sent a telegram to Soda Springs asking the City to turn off the geyser because "...it is throwing the world famous 'Old Faithful Geyser' off schedule." Today, Soda Springs' Captive Geyser has a timer on the valve that permits it to erupt every hour on the hour throughout the year.
I visited this spot again this Fall after being here on my way to Sturgis in 2001 - had a great time with my brother & my wife as we stopped to see the geyser and have fun playing in the water during the heat of the day....was a great trip. I hope you have great memories when you visit here also!
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation: Available 24 hours a day; 7 Days a week
Geyser goes off every hour on the hour
Admission Prices: Free
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Up to 1 hour
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle Only
The attraction’s own URL: Not listed
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