If you can't swim, you can float in this lake. The "waters" are good for skin problems and you feel refreshed after a soak in it. You can also put the mud on your skin too. If you stay in hotels with dual faucets, you can even soak in the privacy of your hotel tub summer or winter. I recommend the Inn at Soap Lake for a wonderful place to stay. Beware there are no decent eating places in town though
The mineral make up of the lake and the historic nature of the town were very appealing.
This lake is nice and you can swim in it. It is a safe lake for kids. But-be prepared for slimy water full of minerals and black like mud that you can put on yourself if you feel inclined for skin/health benefits. Not for everyone but it was fun and the shower room was not clean-but alright overall
Soap Lake is so unique that it is thought only one other mineral lake similar to it exists in the world--in Baden, Germany. The foamy soap suds on the shore are an indication this is an astonishing body of water; the water felt slippery as I waded along the shoreline! The mud is considered to promote healing of skin ailments. The little public park is charming and the human sundial pays homage to the Native Americans who came to this lake for recreation and fellowship in centuries past. I intend to return with my husband in tow for a restorative weekend.
Soap Lake makes a nice base camp to visit the area for some sight seeing, hiking and bird watching. Not many places to eat out in town so beware. The Park along the Lake is great for walking and has an RV Park. Good central location to visit Banks Lake and Grand Coulee Dam.
Great country with many nearby interesting things to do.
The water was warm, the mud has some sort of reputed health benefits and there was a large playground for my 3 year old. There were bugs though, and a bit of a bad smell.
There are several little shops along the main street. Also two nice parks with beaches to have a picnic at. Several good place to hike in the area as well.
After swimming in the lake, we walked in a park along the shore and it was very nice. The lake is cool to look at and the foam really does look like soap suds! The water does feel good to soak in, and you float very easily because of the high mineral content of the water. The water feels a little odd because of this but if you brave going for a swim, you won't regret it!
We went mid day, was ok at best. No bathroom facilities available (the building was there--door was locked) so better change in the car or have a tent. Seemed to lack something.. was not the cleanest place, had a peculiar odor in one spot, not sure what was buried there but it was no bueno.