Soda Springs Meadow lines the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in Devils Postpile National Monument, where naturally carbonated cold springs bubble up through the ground. As the river drops through summer, it exposes gravel bars and the fizzing springs along the bank.
Details
- Type
- Meadow
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Last verified: 6/13/2026
Overview
The meadow is a good place to watch the river change across the season. Carbonated water rises from the soda springs along the bank, fed by gas from deep underground, and the flow runs cold year-round. The meadow and river corridor draw birds and wildlife through the short Sierra summer.
Know Before You Go
The springs sit along the valley trails near the ranger station and are a curiosity to look at rather than a developed soak. The river is cold and can run fast in early season. Summer access is via the mandatory Reds Meadow shuttle.