Soda Springs, Idaho — Geyser and natural carbonated springs

The area around Soda Springs, Idaho has long been significant due to its natural springs, which were a landmark on the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. These springs, rich in carbonated water, attracted Native Americans, early explorers, and pioneers, some of whom bottled the water for commercial purposes. Soda Springs is also noted as Idaho’s second-oldest settlement, and the geyser’s creation added to its historical and cultural importance.

The Soda Springs Geyser and surrounding natural carbonated springs are great pit stops if you’re heading toward Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole. The geyser is a unique man-made geothermal feature with a fascinating history. Unlike natural geysers like those in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser is the world’s only “captive geyser,” meaning it was created by humans and is controlled by a timer.

Origins and discovery of the Soda Springs Geyser

The geyser’s story begins in 1937 when the Soda Springs Pool Company, formed by 21 local businessmen who each invested $100, aimed to find a hot water source for a community swimming pool. On November 30, 1937, drilling operations reached a depth of 315 feet and accidentally struck a pressurized subterranean chamber containing a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and water. This caused an uncontrolled eruption of water and gas, creating the Soda Springs Geyser. The extreme pressure from the carbon dioxide mixing with water propelled the geyser’s eruptions, which initially were unpredictable and powerful.

Taming the Geyser

After months of uncontrolled eruptions, engineers managed to cap the geyser and install a timer to regulate its activity. This allowed the geyser to erupt on a schedule, typically every hour on the hour, making it a predictable attraction for visitors. The ability to control the geyser earned it the “captive” designation, distinguishing it from natural geysers that erupt based on geological processes.

Today, the Soda Springs Geyser is a key attraction in Geyser Park, open to the public year-round. It serves as a testament to both human ingenuity and the area’s geothermal activity. The geyser’s eruptions, reaching heights of up to 100 feet, draw tourists and locals alike, and the park includes interpretive displays about its history and the Oregon Trail. The geyser remains a symbol of Soda Springs’ unique place in Idaho’s history, blending natural phenomena with human intervention.

While the geyser is celebrated as a local wonder, its man-made nature sets it apart from natural geothermal features, and some purists might argue it lacks the geological authenticity of places like Yellowstone. Nonetheless, its accidental discovery and subsequent taming reflect the resourcefulness of the Soda Springs community in turning an unexpected event into a lasting attraction.

Soda Springs, Idaho, is also renowned for its naturally carbonated springs, a result of ancient volcanic activity that infuses groundwater with carbon dioxide, creating effervescent, mineral-rich water. These springs, historically known as “Beer Springs” to early Oregon Trail pioneers, have been a draw for centuries due to their unique sparkling quality. Among them, Octagon Spring stands out as a notable example, celebrated for its crisp, highly carbonated water.

The natural carbonated springs

The natural carbonated springs in Soda Springs are geological marvels formed by volcanic activity that left pockets of carbon dioxide gas trapped underground. When groundwater interacts with this gas, it becomes naturally carbonated, producing a fizzy, mineral-rich water that has attracted Native Americans, explorers, and settlers since the 19th century.

The springs were called “Beer Springs” by early travelers due to their fizzy nature, reminiscent of carbonated beverages. Soda Springs’ identity as a town is deeply tied to these springs, which complemented the accidental creation of the man-made Soda Springs Geyser in 1937. While the geyser is a controlled attraction, springs like Octagon remain natural, offering a direct connection to the area’s geothermal and volcanic past. You’ll also see evidence of past volcanic activity all around the area.

These springs were significant landmarks on the Oregon Trail, with pioneers marveling at the “soda water” that bubbled up from the ground. Some springs were even bottled for commercial sale in the past. Today, several springs, including Octagon Spring, Hooper Springs, and Lover’s Delight, remain accessible to visitors who can drink the sparkling water directly from the source.

The natural carbonated springs, including Octagon Spring, were first documented by European-American explorers in the early 19th century, though Native Americans likely knew of them for much longer.

Octagon Spring

Octagon Spring, located in Octagon Spring Park in Soda Springs, is one of the most famous of these natural springs and is just down the road from the geyser. It is named for its octagonal-shaped basin, a man-made structure built to contain and showcase the spring’s flow.

The water is highly carbonated, often described as crisper than other nearby springs like Hooper Springs, due to its higher carbonation levels. Visitors can drink the water straight from the spring, and many enjoy its effervescent quality, sometimes enhancing it with additives like lemon, lime, sugar, or flavored drink mixes like Kool-Aid to create a natural soda-like beverage. However, it does smell highly mineralized so if you don’t like mineral water, I wouldn’t try it. Frankly, I wasn’t trying it, period.

The park features a wooden boardwalk to navigate the often wet and soft ground, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and picnic tables, making it a visitor-friendly destination.

The water is clear, naturally sparkling, and mineral-rich, with a crisp taste due to its high carbonation. It’s said to be less “chalky” than some other springs and is supposedly a local favorite for mixing with flavorings.

Again, the spring has historical ties to the Oregon Trail and remains a point of pride for the community, often featured in local tours and events. Visitors can learn about its history through interpretive displays in the park (and around the geyser as well).