Breitenbush Hot Springs (thermal mineral springs) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Breitenbush Hot Springs |
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Lower hot springs
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| Location | near Detroit, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44°46′59″N 121°58′40″W / 44.783061°N 121.9777805°W |
| Elevation | 2,225 |
| Type | geothermal |
| Discharge | (220±20 L/s) |
| Temperature | 356 °F (180 °C) to 150°F (65°C) |
Breitenbush Hot Springs is a natural system of warm mineral springs. It is found along the Breitenbush River in Oregon, United States. These springs are known for their warm, mineral-rich water.
Contents
Discovering Breitenbush Hot Springs
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For hundreds of years, local Indigenous people used these hot springs. Tribes like the Kalapuya, Wasco, and Molalla visited them. They believed the springs had special healing and spiritual powers.
In the 1840s, settlers also began to use the springs. In 1873, a farmer named John Minto wrote about naming the springs. He said he, Henry States, and Frank Cooper named them after a hunter. This hunter, John Breitenbush, was camping nearby. Later, in 1938, a man named Frederick Breitenbusher claimed the springs were named after his father, Lewis Breitenbusher. However, the shorter name, Breitenbush, has been used since 1873.
Developing the Springs
In 1897, John Hollingsworth started managing the hot springs. By 1904, the upper and lower pools became separate areas for soaking. That same year, President Theodore Roosevelt gave a special permit for the upper hot springs to Claude Mansfield.
Around the 1910s, a man named Mark Skiff got a permit. He developed the lower hot springs into a business called Skiff's Camp. In 1927, the Bruckman family bought the upper springs. They added a large pool and other helpful facilities.
Sadly, in the 1970s, a big flood destroyed both the upper and lower facilities. But in 1977, Alex Beamer bought the upper springs. He rebuilt them into a peaceful retreat and conference center. The lower springs are still more natural. You can find the remains of old soaking pools and natural rock pools there.
What's in the Water?
The water at Breitenbush Hot Springs is heated deep underground. It comes out of more than thirty different spots. The water is very hot when it first appears, about 356 °F (180 °C)! As it reaches the surface, it cools down to between 198 °F (92 °C) and 150°F (65°C).
This water contains many natural minerals. Some of these include:
- Calcium
- Lithium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Sulfate
- Quartz
Where are the Springs?
The Breitenbush Hot Springs are located in the Willamette National Forest. It's important to know there are two main areas. The Lower Breitenbush hot springs are on public land. This land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Anyone can visit these.
However, the upper hot springs are on private property. These are part of the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort. You can only visit these if you are a paying guest at the resort.
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