Soaking Away Cares In Mineral Hot Springs
by christopher van tilburg
Hot springs abound in the Pacific Northwest. A trifecta of soakers flow in the Columbia Gorge, and several more are within striking distance for an easy day or weekend getaway. A rejuvenating and relaxing dip can be as easy on the pocketbook as it can be on the muscles, especially if the economy is keeping you close to home.
Hot springs arise from deep underground. Bubbling water heated by geothermal forces effervesces through volcanic basalt and gurgles to the surface, usually next to rivers. The water is often so scorching–up to 186-degrees Fahrenheit–it must be diluted with cold river water to be tolerable for bathers. The hot water also extracts minerals like calcium, sulfates, silica, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium and carbonate from the underground rocks. Some believe the minerals have healing and medicinal benefits. Two resorts in the Columbia Gorge have their own distinct style and flavor. One is a destination luxury resort, and the other is historic, old-world charm. Find an afternoon and choose one that suits you, your partner or your family.
Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort
Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort in Carson, Washington, is one of the oldest developed hot springs. It’s rural, economical and sprinkled with old world charm. Perched along the banks of the Wind River, the spring was discovered in 1876 by Isasore St. Martin during a hunting trip. He later established a Native American homestead on the site. The resort was established in 1892, and the St. Martin Hotel was erected between1897 and 1901. A bathhouse and tiny cabins that are still in use today were added in 1923. Visitors can relax in cast-iron, claw foot soaking tubs, many of which are originals from the Roaring Twenties. The full spa service includes a mineral bath, wrap and massage. The mineral water is laced with potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, ammonia and phosphate.
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa
The newest of the lot, the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa in North Bonneville, Washington, is a full-service destination spa. It’s the whole shebang in tasteful, luxurious Pacific Northwest wood lodges. General manager Gary Sorrels pointed out that it’s one of the largest in the region. It’s unique compared to most large destination spas because Bonneville uses natural mineral-rich hot spring water. And it’s right in heart of the Columbia Gorge…
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One Response to “Soaking Away Cares In Mineral Hot Springs”
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Felicia Sobonya says:
I have been soaking up hot spring minerals since the early 70’s, when I was in high school. My friends and I would travel 3 hours to get to California’s Eastern Sierra to babble and bath in the luxurious outdoor resorts nestled in the most obscure places one can imagine.
Currently I am building a straw bale home on the Klickitat River, and moving bales and trowling plaster leaves our aging aching bodies needing the medicinal and relaxing properties of a hot spring. Carson Mineral Hot Spring has been one of the Gorge’s best indulgences for us. The down home atmosphere suits our style and budget. The tubs were clean and the water was both hot enough for me and of lesser degree for my temperature sensitive husband.
I highly recommend enjoying the cooked noodle effect these hot springs have on ones body..especially after a long day of hiking, windsurfing, picking fruit or, like us, doing heavy construction for weeks at a time.Felicia Sobonya
Nevada City, CA/ Klickitat WA
