Soap Lake is a unique mineral lake located in the desert oasis of the Grand Coulee Valley, just 6 miles from the town of Ephrata. The lake gets its name from the naturally occurring foam on its surface.

Known also as “Nature’s Spa,” the lake attracts many visitors, offering them opportunities to use its unique healing properties to cure arthritis and joint pain, as well as a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

Historically, before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes referred to the lake by two names: Smokiam, meaning “healing waters,” and Let-to-to-weints, meaning “healing water springs.” When European settlers arrived, they called it “Sanitarium Lake” due to its perceived health benefits.

The lake was formed during the Ice Age when groundwater seeped through a thick basalt layer, absorbing minerals from the surrounding rocks. The resulting water and mud became rich in minerals. The lake contains 23 minerals.

One of the lake’s most remarkable features is its stratification into two distinct layers that never mix. The bottom layer is cold, low in oxygen, and rich in sulfides, while the top layer is warmer and less concentrated in sulfides. These layers are separated by a boundary known as the chemocline, which allows some sulfides to diffuse into the upper layer.

Soap Lake Healing Experience - Mud Therapy and Mineral Water

While the lake isn’t hot, its high mineral content gives it powerful healing properties, which are often considered superior to many hot springs. Soap Lake’s mud therapy and mineral water offer a holistic, natural healing experience. The sulfide-rich mud and alkaline mineral water provide effective treatments for a wide range of conditions, from skin issues to joint pain and mental stress.

Soap Lake is known for having one of the most diverse mineral compositions of any mineral lake in the world. Like the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan, Soap Lake mud and water contain over 20 minerals!

A highly alkaline lake with a pH of 9.8 has a slippery, soap-like feel. The water's high alkalinity discourages the growth of bacteria and other infectious agents.

Besides minerals, a water-soluble oil-like substance called Ichthyol is present. Ichthyol treats dermatological disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and furunculosis. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective against gram-positive bacteria.

There are different types of mud: black and blue. Blue mud is considered better because it is located deeper in the lake and has a higher mineral concentration, but it is hard to find.

Pick up mud from the bottom, apply and massage it over your body, allow it to dry in the sun, and then wash it off.

Please keep in mind that it is prohibited to collect and remove mud from the lake.

Like the Dead Sea, Soap Lake is dense and buoyant, allowing swimmers to float easily.

You can use the resort's beach if you stop at one of four resorts near the lake. If you decide to use other accommodations, you can use the west or east public beaches, which give you the same benefits as a private beach.

The lake is pretty shallow, so you can find plenty of space and use healing mud in addition to the mineral water.

There are various places to stay in this enchanting destination. The best options are lakeside resorts such as Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort and Masters Inn, which offer access to the lake anytime during your stay.

The Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort is one of the most popular spots to stay near Soap Lake. It offers a combination of wellness services (like mud treatments, spa services, and access to the mineral-rich waters) alongside comfortable rooms with lake views.

Reserve Your Stay near Soap Lake Shoreline at Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort

Masters Inn is a simple, budget-friendly choice for travelers who want a stay near Soap Lake. The inn offers a good range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, TV, and mini-fridges. Some rooms may include kitchenettes.

Reserve Your Stay near Soap Lake at Masters Inn

Other accommodations can be found in Ephtata, 6 miles away.

Lodging at Soap Lake

For those seeking a more independent experience, vacation rentals dot the lakeshore, providing private accommodations with easy access to the therapeutic waters.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Soap Lake

Location: 6 miles northeast of Ephrata • Central Washington • USA
Open: Seasonal
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Picnic tables, restrooms
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Elevation: 1,106 ft (337 m)

Water T°: Vary, depend on the weather conditions
Water acidity level: Alkaline (pH=9.8)

Sodium (Na) - 5,760 Mg/L
Carbonate (CO2) - 3,840 Mg/L
Bicarbonate (HCO3) - 2,480 Mg/L
Sulfate (SO4) - 2,540 Mg/L
Chloride (Cl) - 2,290 Mg/L
Potassium (K) - 504 Mg/L
Fluoride (F) - 7.2 Mg/L
Magnesium (Mg) - 2.9 Mg/L
Calcium (Ca) - 2.5 Mg/L
Nitrate (NO3) - 0.9 Mg/L