Along the white rapids of Wind River in Carson, hot mineral waters pull into springs and are pumped into spas, creating a tranquil escape at the historic Carson Hot Springs Resort. With over a century of history, the resort invites visitors to step back in time and experience the healing power of nature — a cherished destination for relaxation, rejuvenation and a touch of mystery.
The story of Carson Hot Springs begins in 1874 when Isadore St. Martin, a pioneer exploring the Columbia River Gorge, set up a homestead in Carson according to the book, “Isadore and Margaret Arquett St. Martin,” by Luther St. Martin. Working as a teamster hauling ice and gold, Isadore settled along the Wind River. In 1880, he discovered the mineral-rich waters that would become a natural treasure. At a time when contemporary medicine was still experimental and not consistently effective, many turned from the physicians they knew in search of natural remedies. Hot springs across Washington gained popularity as health retreats, their mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic benefits. They were more than novelty or vestiges of life for the elite of Europe — they offered a chance to reconnect with nature and allow the body to heal naturally.
Washington State Hot Springs: Mineral Waters for a Healing Soak
When the St. Martins discovered the hot springs, it wasn’t just a financial boon but a source of hope. Margaret St. Martin, Isadore’s wife, was ill and the magnesium and sulfur-rich waters offered a chance for healing. She began soaking daily, finding comfort in the rejuvenating springs. As the niece of a Medicine Man to a Native American tribe, she infused her treatments with herbal remedies, maximizing the therapeutic benefits of her soaks and offering the same services to guests.
The St. Martins didn’t want to keep the therapeutic waters to themselves, seeing opportunity in sharing the springs’ gifts. They set up the first tub in 1880 and built a large bathhouse by the river. By 1907, they pumped hot water from the springs into the bathhouse, offering guests a modern and luxurious experience. The resort expanded with three more bathhouses and a store becoming a sought-after destination.
Carson Hot Springs Unsolved Murder
The path for the St. Martins didn’t always come easy. Early on a woodcutter came wondering back onto the property, claiming ownership. As luck would have it, the man never registered the land. With no legal claim, he eventually gave up and went on his way. On another occasion, someone from town stole one of Isadore’s horse teams. St. Martin faced his thief in court and won back his beloved horses.
With the way things were going, it seemed like there wasn’t a battle they couldn’t win, but tragedy struck in 1910 when a spa guest murdered Isadore St. Martin. The story of his death remains shrouded in mystery. Was it a stabbing? Was it over the mineral waters or the property? Or was it a drunken dispute? Whispers persist to this day, sparking mystery and intrigue, but the answers may be lost to time. An article from April 6, 1911, in The Oregonian on Page 6, Column 1 confirms his murder, but historical records and Isadore’s obituary focus more on his life than his death.
With so many questions left unanswered, in a place that seems rooted in a mystic history, the site is a hotspot for paranormal lovers and ghost hunters. They flock to the hot springs each year, searching for signs of Isadore’s ghost and hints of the mystery still left unsolved. Yet, while mysticism adds an air of wonder to the resort, the true story of Carson Hot Springs is one of resilience and renewal.
The Mystery of Carson Hot Springs is the Perseverance of Margaret St. Martin
Margaret St. Martin faced unimaginable loss, including the death of her son just a year after Isadore’s murder. According to an article in The Oregonian, the younger St. Martin died tragically on nearby train tracks after being denied service at a tavern due to intoxication. Despite these hardships, Margaret persevered. She expanded the resort, transforming it into a thriving business. By 1913, a hotel and an additional two-story building were completed, along with four cottages containing four rooms each. They set up a music venue, attracting big dance bands of the jazz era and turning the resort into a lively social hub. The rail system brought people from far and wide to dance, dine and soak in the coveted waters.
Eventually, the St. Martins sold the property and it changed hands multiple times. Despite these changes, the resort has retained its historical charm. The original hotel still stands as a testament to the St. Martins’ legacy, welcoming guests to experience its unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Visiting Carson Hot Springs Today
Today, Carson Hot Springs Resort offers visitors a nostalgic escape from the modern world. Guests can hike through scenic trails, explore the woods and kayak the river’s rapids before unwinding in the resort’s vintage ambiance. The creaky wooden floors and clawfoot tubs evoke a sense of stepping back in time while the mineral-rich waters continue to provide therapeutic relief.
Follow the winding path along the Wind River to Carson Hot Springs Resort and Spa, where you can escape more than the city — immerse yourself in a time capsule filled with history, nature and healing. The resort is a testament to the enduring appeal of resilience, renewal and nature’s simple restorative pleasures.
