There is perhaps nothing in the western part of America that has elicited more profound wonder from visitors to natural curiosities than the well known Soda Springs, on the line of the O. S. L. railroad. The springs are in Mormon territory, and it is perhaps owing to this sad fact that they have for years been kept from the inevitable popularity that has made the Yellowstone Park already famous. The Soda Springs differ from the common run of mineral springs, and especially hot springs, in the Rocky mountains, in as much as their water comes from an entirely distinct formation; a soda formation that is peculiar to that locality. Immediately about the springs are various curiosities to attract the visitor’s interest, among which are fume or gas vents in the ground about the size of a man’s wrist. From these a peculiar gaseous emission is constant, and if inhaled is very obnoxious. In fact, death has been caused in several instances by an accidental condition in which persons were compelled to inhale an over portion of the gas coming from the water. The soda water, it is remarkably discovered is, when cool, a very excellent drink and tonic and is pronounced far superior to any of the finest flavored soda waters. The water, while warm is universally used by the settlers for culinary and baking purposes, and is a very superior substitute for yeast powders and sodas. Bread and biscuits baked from simply flour and no other admixture but the pure soda water are pronounced simply par excellence.
The numerous useful and marvelous properties of the water from the springs are accompanied by a very romantic and picturesque valley and mountain view surrounding the spot, all of which contribute to give it a world famous destiny.
The Ketchum Keystone, Ketchum, ID, February 23, 1884