Page 51 - 1915, Springs of CA.

HOT SPRINGS. 49

The analysis indicates a slightly mineralized soft water, primary-
alkaline saline in character.
These springs were formerly visited by the Indians, who built mud
huts (temescals), for use as vapor-bath chambers. The springs are
mentioned in the records of the Franciscan friars, who visited them
when in charge of the mission at San Juan Capistrano. About 1885
two or three small buildings were constructed here, and the place also
became a resort for campers as well as for the ailing. In 1908 the
improvements consisted of a small hotel, bathhouse, and three cot-
tages. There are ample camp grounds, and the place has been used
mainly as a camping resort.

CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS (TULARE 18).
A number of hot springs in the Sierra issue from the granitic rocks
that form the main part of the range. California Hot Springs,
formerly known as Deer Creek Hot Springs, are situated about 35
miles southeast of Portersville. Four springs here issue at points 5
to 20 yards apart along the southern bank of Deer Creek Canyon, 20
or 30 feet above the stream bed. This group yields about 35 gallons
a minute of water 120° to 126° in temperature. Half a mile upstream
on the northern side of the creek, another group of one main and two
minor springs discharges about one-third as much water at a tempera-
ture of 105°. All of the springs are noticeably sulphureted, but they
are not highly mineralized.
Within the last few years a company of investors had made exten-
sive improvements here. In 1908 a frame hotel and annex provided
accommodations for about 100 people, and small cottages and tents
erected in an ample camp ground near by have sheltered several
hundred people at one time. Water from the upper springs, which are
the only ones that were originally available, is piped to a tank, and
thence to the baths and grounds for a cool water supply, while pipes
from the lower group conduct the hot water about 275 yards to
baths near the hotel. The springs of the lower group are also used
to some extent for drinking, and are now easily reached by a foot-
bridge and a path along the canyon side.
The springs issue from seams in coarse-textured gray granitic
material, which is the country rock of this region. Although no
large fault is recognized at this locality, other faults have been
traced in this portion of the Sierra, and it seems probable that at
least local fracturing has afforded escape to deep-seated water at this
point. An analysis of what is locally known as the House Spring is
presented herewith.
35657° WSP 338 15 4