Mark your calendars now for the Lava Hot Springs and Oregon Trail Tour in southeast Idaho on June 23, 24 and 25, 2022.
Our hotel is the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Soda Springs, Idaho. Mention the Model A Club to receive the discounted rate of $121.49 per night. This includes a full breakfast and plenty of parking for those who bring trailers. We looked over this nationally-branded hotel and it is very nice, being only 4 years old. We blocked 8 rooms, so it is important that you let Howard Eckstein know you have reserved a room since they are currently attached to his credit card. His email is: h_eckstein@hotmail.com. Those who wait until after the 8 rooms are filled can still get the discounted rate by mentioning the Model A Club. But don’t procrastinate, as the hotel is medium-sized and if it fills up before you reserve, the alternative properties in a 50-mile circle are less desirable.
Walt Burfitt of the Utah Valley Model A Club lives near Lava Hot Springs and has taken us around on our reconnaissance trip to show us the sites that are going to make this a great tour. Our plan is to travel up from Utah on Thursday to Soda Springs where we’ll check in at the hotel and get a bite to eat. Some may then want to drive on into Lava Hot Springs and try the pools. On Friday morning, we’ll eat at the hotel, then assemble for our embarkation. We’ll have Walt tell us about the area and guide us on the tour.
We’ll visit the town of Chesterfield, established by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1880. Many of the buildings and homes have been restored by descendants of the original owners and will be open for guided tours while we are there. Chesterfield was a stop on the Oregon Trail. Exhausted and sick travelers were nursed back to health by the residents and good teams traded for their worn out animals before sending them on their way.
The Oregon trail passed through this area during Idaho’s pioneering years. Starting at Independence Missouri and following the Platte, North Platte, Snake, and Columbia rivers, the Oregon Trail passed through this part of what is now Idaho and terminated at Oregon City on the Willamette River, south of Portland. Mormon pioneers followed the Oregon Trail until turning off west of the Great Divide and heading south to Salt Lake Valley. The California Trail also followed the route of the Oregon trail. After the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill near Stockton, California, gold seekers broke off to the California Trail at Fort Bridger while others broke off at Soda Springs. We’ll drive on part of that old trail as we go around to see the sites on this history tour with our Model As.
We’ll visit the Last Chance Canal. Water rights were at risk for farmers on the Bear River. The government told them they had to get water into the Gem Valley, or lose their water rights to the state. Their last chance to save those rights was the building of a canal 5 miles through a mountain. This engineering feat in the early 1900s had two teams begin at each end. They met within 2 feet of each other inside the mountain. As part of the strategy to keep those water rights, a dam, which includes a hydroelectric plant, guarantees perpetuation of the water rights by generating electricity. A flume was built of wood which kept the canal level over chasms. Today, a new flume made of galvanized steel has replaced the original wood. We will drive to the point where the flume enters the mouth of the canal through the mountain.
Throughout the area, there is evidence of underground thermal activity. In the town of Soda Springs, a geyser shoots water about 100 feet high every hour on the hour. It’s recommended we park on the next street over to avoid getting hard water spots on our cars.
Nearby is the Octagon Spring from which soda water flows up through a natural cauldron. It won’t harm you, so try a sip of this sparkling beverage from mother earth.
Imagine finding a cave on your property where ice crystals collect on the walls and the temperature, even in the heat of summer, is cold enough for water to freeze. We’ll visit the Niter Ice Cave. This lava-tube cave was used by early settlers as a natural ice box for the storage of milk and butter. We’ll use a handrail down the steps to the entrance and walk in as far as your lights and curiosity will allow. The cave can be explored standing up, is quite level inside, and goes back about ¼ mile. Bring your best flashlight and sturdy shoes. There may be ice or water on the ground in there, so be careful with your step. Don’t forget to bring a jacket.
A few miles from Soda Springs is the town of Lava Hot Springs; population: 704. Judging by the 1914 hotel and hospital-turned-hotel that was built in 1924 and motels that resemble those found on Route 66 during the 1960s, you’ll get the idea that things haven’t changed much in this quaint town. The main attraction is the Lava Hot Springs Pools on Main Street as you enter the historic district from the east. Patrons claim that the minerals and salts of the 105° water are beneficial for health and have curative properties. Don’t be afraid to try the pools. They are open until 11 pm. If you do go in, don’t stay past 30 minutes and be sure to drink an electrolyte beverage right after. Coconut water, fruit juices and commercial electrolyte drinks are found in grocery stores. Best to get these at home since grocery shopping is limited in the area.
On Friday night, after a day of spelunking, driving and learning, we’ll meet at Walt Burfitt’s cabin for a barbecue dinner. The view over his property and the deck surrounding his cabin is the perfect place for a final goodnight confab before returning home Saturday morning.
