Soda Springs

If you are looking for a nice walk to soak in the grandeur of Tuolumne Meadows, look no further than Soda Springs. This naturally-carbonated cold water source bubbles right out of the ground next to the Tuolumne River in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows. While the springs are interesting (the largest enclosed by a log structure), the peaceful setting alongside the Tuolumne River and the picturesque views of the Cathedral Range that include Cathedral Peak and the surrounding granite domes are really what accentuate this short hike. A beautifully constructed bridge spans the Tuolumne River near the springs. Next to Soda Springs is Parsons Memorial Lodge, one of the earliest stone-style lodges built in the national parks. It was constructed by the Sierra Club in 1915 in honor of Edward Taylor Parsons, the club's director from 1905 through 1914. Nowadays the Parsons Memorial Lodge hosts a summertime series of educational exhibits and classes put on by the National Park Service; check here for listings. Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge can be reached from either the Lembert Dome/Stables Road or from a trail leading out from Highway 120 near the Tuolumne Meadows Center, the latter crossing the Tuolumne River Bridge. The main trailhead is near Lembert Dome parking, but it can also be made into a longer Tuolumne Meadows exploratory loop.