Soap Lake Natural Spa, Washington

Quick Facts

Experience

Resorts & Spas

Access Level

Easy to reach (no hike)

Safety Level

Generally safe

What to Wear

Swimsuit required

Family Friendly

Yes

Entry Fee

Paid

Wheelchair Access

Address

236 Main Ave E, Soap Lake, WA 98851

Overview

About Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort

Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort, Washington is a paid lakeside resort at 236 Main Ave E in the town of Soap Lake, Grant County, in central Washington. The resort is not a geothermal hot spring. It is built on the shore of Soap Lake, a naturally alkaline mineral lake containing 23 dissolved minerals formed during the Ice Age when groundwater filtered through basalt layers and absorbed minerals from the surrounding rock. The lake is one of only two meromictic soda lakes of its type in the world, meaning its distinct water layers never mix. One of its most remarkable characteristics is its extraordinary mineral diversity, which has drawn visitors seeking therapeutic benefits for well over a century.

The resort offers in-room mineral water tubs in select rooms and cabins, fed directly with Soap Lake water alongside a standard fresh water option. Six outdoor hot tubs, an infrared spa, dry sauna, gym, private beach access, and a restaurant are on site. Accommodation ranges from historic inn rooms in a 100-year-old cobblestone building to log cabins and cottages. The resort also offers yoga classes and a gift shop. It is now affiliated with the Dazzler Select by Wyndham brand and operates year-round.

Location & Access

Getting to Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort

Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is located at 236 Main Ave E in the town of Soap Lake, Grant County, approximately 6 miles northeast of Ephrata and 19 miles from the Grant County International Airport. From Seattle, take Interstate 90 east, exit at WA-281 in Grant County, then follow WA-283 north and WA-28 east to Main Ave E in Soap Lake. Total drive time from Seattle is approximately three hours depending on traffic. From Spokane, take Interstate 90 west, exit at WA-17 north at Moses Lake, then follow WA-17 north to Soap Lake. The drive from Spokane is approximately 100 miles and takes about 90 minutes.

Soap Lake is a small town in the Columbia Basin of central Washington and the resort sits directly on the eastern shore of the lake on Main Ave E, with direct beach access to the lake. The property is accessible by car with on-site parking and the resort is open year-round. Check-in is typically from 3pm. The resort is pet-friendly with a per-stay pet fee. For those seeking mineral springs near Ephrata Washington, Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is the primary overnight destination for visitors seeking the therapeutic waters of Soap Lake on the Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway.

Suitability & Accessibility

Suitability and Accessibility of Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort

Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort suits couples, families, wellness seekers, and visitors curious about the therapeutic mineral lake that draws guests from across the region and internationally. The resort is accessible by car on flat terrain with on-site parking and beachfront access. The mineral water is not geothermal and not heated naturally by the earth. In-room tubs are filled with Soap Lake water on request. Outdoor hot tubs use heated water. The lake itself is open for swimming and floating from the resort's private beach during warmer months.

Soap Lake contains 23 minerals and is one of the most mineral-rich natural bodies of water in the world. The lake is meromictic, meaning its distinct layers never mix. The resort also offers access to therapeutic mineral mud from the lake floor, used in spa treatments. The resort accommodates families with a playground on site and a variety of room types from inn rooms to full-cabin accommodations with kitchens.

The resort is not suitable for visitors seeking geothermal hot spring water. The water source is a naturally cold mineral lake heated mechanically for tubs and hot tubs. For those seeking mineral springs near Ephrata Washington, the resort's location on the Coulee Corridor scenic byway also makes it a practical stop near Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and the Grand Coulee Dam.

Safety & Etiquette

Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort Safety Tips

Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is a managed resort with staff present during operating hours. Standard hot tub safety applies: limit soaking sessions, stay hydrated, and avoid use after alcohol consumption. Guests with skin conditions, open wounds, or medical conditions should consult a physician before using mineral water, as Soap Lake's high mineral content and alkalinity may affect sensitive skin differently than standard fresh water.

Soap Lake itself is an alkaline soda lake with higher pH and mineral content than ordinary freshwater lakes. The lake is generally safe to swim in and has been used recreationally for generations. However, the high alkalinity can cause mild irritation in some visitors. Rinse off after swimming in the lake. The lake is shallow and warm in summer but conditions vary by season. Swimming should only be done from the resort's designated beach area.

Central Washington in summer can be very hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit around Soap Lake. Stay hydrated throughout your visit, use sunscreen on the private beach, and take breaks from the heat. The outdoor hot tubs in summer ambient heat require additional caution around dehydration and overheating. The resort is in a rural area of Grant County and the nearest major hospital is in Moses Lake, approximately 15 miles south.

The resort is pet-friendly but pets must be kept under control on the property. Pets are not permitted in the lake swimming area. The area around Soap Lake is a recognized birding destination with a variety of species present year-round. Visitors should be respectful of the natural lakeshore environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when using the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort a geothermal hot spring?

No. Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is not a geothermal hot spring. The water source is Soap Lake, a naturally cold alkaline mineral lake. The lake is not heated by the earth. In-room tubs are filled with Soap Lake water that is heated mechanically. Outdoor hot tubs are also heated. The lake itself is cold in nature but becomes warmer during summer. The resort is listed on mineral spring and hot spring directories due to the mineral character of the lake water, but it has no geothermal heat source.

What minerals are in Soap Lake?

Soap Lake contains 23 naturally occurring minerals including sodium, carbonate, sulfate, chloride, bicarbonate, and others. The lake is described by the resort as one of the most mineral-rich and mineral-diverse natural bodies of water in the world. The lake is meromictic, meaning its distinct layers at different densities and mineral concentrations never mix. The mineral composition has historically drawn visitors seeking relief from arthritis, skin conditions, and circulatory issues.

What amenities does Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort offer?

The resort offers in-room mineral water tubs in select rooms and cabins, six outdoor hot tubs, an infrared spa, dry sauna rooms, a gym, private beach access to Soap Lake, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Yoga classes are available. Accommodations include rooms in a 100-year-old cobblestone inn building and log cabins and cottages with kitchens. A playground is on site for families. The resort is affiliated with Dazzler Select by Wyndham.

Can you swim in Soap Lake?

Yes. The lake is open for swimming and floating from the resort's private beach during warmer months. Soap Lake is shallow and warm in summer, making it suitable for casual swimming and wading. The high alkalinity of the lake water can cause mild skin irritation in some visitors. Rinsing off after swimming is recommended. The lake also has naturally occurring mineral mud on the lake floor that is harvested for spa treatments.

Where is Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort and how do you get there?

The resort is at 236 Main Ave E in Soap Lake, Washington, approximately 6 miles northeast of Ephrata and about 150 miles east of Seattle. From Seattle, take Interstate 90 east, exit at WA-281, follow WA-283 north and WA-28 east to Soap Lake. The drive takes approximately three hours. From Spokane, take Interstate 90 west, exit at WA-17 north at Moses Lake, and follow WA-17 north to Soap Lake, about 90 minutes.