Ohanapecosh Walking Tour: Minerals

Orange travertine deposits are visible at this stop.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Ohanapecosh

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Water - Non-Potable

Notice the layer of rock called travertine (calcium carbonate) in the bluff to the left. The minerals that make up this rock were slowly deposited by hot spring water. In some areas, deposits are nearly 25 feet thick. This is a slow process that has taken many years. If you breath in through your nose you might smell the gasses coming off these mineral deposits. Gasses that were dissolved into the water deep underground are now being released into the air. Some of these gases, like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, can be dangerous in large amounts. Ohanapecosh is safe but you should be careful around unknown hot springs, especially ‘smelly’ ones.