Join us in saving
Soap Lake
The Conservancy's mission is restoration and preservation of our unique, natural mineral lake
Grant County, Washington State, U.S.A
The extraordinary, meromictic, alkali Soap Lake is located in central Washington State, USA.
Thousands of years ago, during the Missoula Floods, a chain of lakes was created. The southernmost lake, Soap Lake, having no natural surface inlet or outlet, accumulated concentrated levels of minerals and oils. During this, the last glacier event, the lake level was much higher than at present. An increasing arid climate contributed to the evaporation and concentration of dissolved minerals in the lake.
Eventually, Soap Lake became a rare meromictic, mineral-rich lake possessing one of the most diverse and concentrated mineral profiles on earth. A meromictic alkaline lake has several basic layers, which do not mix. The richest mineral layer, being the heaviest is at the bottom and has remained intact for thousands of years.
In 2002, the National Science Foundation (NSF) recognized the unique and remarkable salt and mineral profile of Soap Lake. An NSF Microbial Observatory Grant funded 5 years of Soap Lake biological research through three universities including Central Washington University. NSF was seeking research findings in their “search for biological activity on Mars and extra-solar terrestrial environments….” (link to NSF abstract)
(profile graphic courtesy Kovach Architects)
Soap Lake is known as šmokíəm (“healing waters”) to the Moses-Columbia tribe. Many tribes have gathered here for thousands of years for recreation and the medicinal value of the alkali water, oil, and mud. This ecologically unique and culturally significant ecosystem continues to attract people from diverse cultures.
We acknowledge
Soap Lake Conservancy acknowledges šmokíəm (Soap Lake) is located in the traditional territory of the škwáxčənəxʷ, or Moses-Columbia tribe. We acknowledge this to be the unceded land and water of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR): Chelan, Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce, Colville, Entiat, Lakes, Methow, Moses-Columbia, Nespelem, Okanogan, Palus, San Poil, Wenatchi; (CTCR link) ….along with other tribes past and present.
We appreciate the partnership with The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in the conservation of the lake.
Learn More about the Lake
A unique mineral lake with a long history in the middle of Washington state, USA. The Conservancy takes a science-based approach to preservation and restoration.
HISTORY OF SOAP LAKE
(transcribed sign located at the the Smokiam Park)
“Indians camped here each summer for many centuries. They gathered food, raced horses, gambled, and used the healing waters of Soap Lake. The Indian camp was across the lake at the popular (sic) trees. Their race track was near the hospital. The famous Cariboo cattle trail, used from 1859-1868 passed just east of here. Pioneers settled here about 1900. The first store was built in 1904 by Carl Jensen. Soap Lake platted in 1908, incorporated in 1919. Soap Lake has been called Cottage Lake, Salome Lake, Siloam, and Sanitarium Lake. Soap Lake is noted for its annual July Fourth fireworks celebration. “
Grant County Historical Society
We would love to hear from you, send us an email