Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it called Soap Lake?
A: There are several reasons for the name Soap Lake. The mineral laden water has a slick, almost soapy feel to it. It is also very easy to float in the water. Another reasons is the white foam that appears along the shore of the lake after a strong wind. This phenomenon is usually observed in the fall and the spring when the air temperature is colder than the water temperature.

Q: What minerals are in the lake?
A: There are up to 23 different minerals in Soap Lake water. The most abundantly occurring are calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon, and sodium. At various times over the last 90 years, water quality assays have been conducted to test the mineral content of Soap Lake water. Records show that the mineral content of the lake has declined. Compared to the ocean, and other known naturally occurring mineral resources in the world, Soap Lake still has the highest diverse mineral content than any other body of water on the planet. Soap Lake water also contains ichthyols, an oil like substance sold over the counter in Europe to treat infections and abrasions. The icthyol in Soap Lake water most likely come from decomposition of tiny brine like red shrimp that flourish in the water from late spring to mid-summer.

Q: Can you drink the water?
A: Many people have over the years, and many still do. The water is strong tasting. A public drinking fountain on Main street, just west of the Inn at Soap Lake has a spigot for both regular and Soap Lake water. More than once throughout the summer, people will drive up with several empty gallons jugs they will proceed to fill with Soap Lake water.

Q: What causes the suds around the lake?
A: No one knows for sure. The suds, may appear as a band of white froth or clumps of swirling white suds up to a foot high along the shore of the lake after a strong wind blows, usually during fall and spring months.

Q: What is the weather like?
A: Soap Lake is located in Grant County, on the east side of Washington state. The east side of the state is in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, and unlike Seattle, the average annual rainfall in Soap Lake is less than 9 inches. The area is referred to as semi-arid. Summer temperatures average 82.9 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale. Winter temperatures average 33.8 degrees F. Annual rainfall is less than 9 inches.

The seasons clearly change as evidenced by an abundance of wildflowers that herald the season with their showy presence. Beginning in spring with buttercups and lomations, preceding to late spring with balsam root, phlox, and buckwheat. By fall the golden presence of rabbit brush is a sign that winter will soon arrive.

Q: Where do I find Soap Lake mud?
A: Soap Lake mud can be found in various locations on both the north and south end of the lake. There are different “grades” of Soap Lake mud, the best being the creamiest, almost jell like in your hand, jet black variety that has a strong sulfur odor. There are several locations on the East Beach as well as the cove - behind the library where it can be obtained by diving in shallow water. The best way to find out is to ask a local resident, or to inquire at the Healing Water Spa on Main Street or the Visitor Center on the west side of the highway right past the town.

Q: How was the lake created?
A: Through a sixty million year geologic process punctuated with shifts in the earths crust resulting in molten lava escaping from fissures, then a period of floods, more earth changes and several more floods. Ultimately, the landscape was covered with basalt rock that has been scarped, carved and channeled by the remarkable power of water. A landscape truly created by fire and water. With layer upon layer of basalt rock in place, it took several hundred thousand more years for water to leach through the basalt and fill a plunge pool left from an ancient waterfall. The waterfall was located on the southernmost end of the river channel created during one of the most violent floods known to have occurred on the North American continent. This part of the channel is now called the Lower Grand Coulee. As the pool and surrounding area filled with water, a deposit of silty clay formed along the bottom creating a sealed container. The water continued to flow into the bowl, retaining an assortment of minerals leached during thousands of years of migrating through the porous basalt.

Q: Where is Soap Lake?
A: The lake is located on Highway 17 North in Grant County in Eastern Washington,
less than a mile from where it intersects with SR 28. It’s about 120 miles west of Spokane, Washington and 180 miles east of Seattle. The city of Soap lake hugs the southern shore of the lake.

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Soap Lake?
A: There are two public beaches with shaded picnic areas and full service camp and RV park. Lodging information

Q: What spa amenities exist at Soap Lake?
A: There are two massage therapists offering a variety of treatments including massage, body work, Soap Lake baths and mud, Rieki and energy work.

Q: What activities and attractions are nearby?
A: Within one hours drive of Soap Lake is Grand Coulee Dam, Lake Lenore Caves, Dry Falls Interpretive Center, Summer Falls, Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock State Park, the Grant County Historical Museum and the Gorge Outdoor Concert Amphitheater. There are numerous outstanding opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, boating, swimming and fishing within minutes from the lake. Soap Lake is recognized as a “must see” location by bird watchers who trek here each fall to watch the diverse population of migrating shorebirds that stop along the shores of Soap Lake. Nearby farm fields, wildlife preserves and other state managed game lands provide opportunities for upland bird hunters.

Lodging | Massage Therapy | Restaurants

	History Buffs
	If you like history and want to learn more about this incredible mineral sea in the heart of Washington, order the Soap Lake documentary: Dirt Roads, Beachscapes and Bygone Days: A Window to Soap Lake’s Past
	More Details

Contact: soapy@soaplakewa.com