-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(micro)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Today I discovered that Manley Hot Springs did not have a cache, so I decided to remedy that situation. After driving all that way, I thought cachers should have a shot a cache, so you'll have a chance to find one in a park just before you get to the Hot Springs and Town. What fun it was to finally take a dip in the much heard of Manley Hot Springs.
A little history for those interested. If not, skip down to the last 2 paragraphs:
In 1902 a prospector, John Karshner, discovered several hot springs in the area. He began a homestead and vegetable farm. In the same year, the United States Army built a telegraph station. The area became a service and supply point for miners in the Tofty and Eureka mining districts. It was known as Baker's Hot Springs, after nearby Baker Creek.
Farming and livestock operations in the area produced fresh meat, poultry, and produce for sale. In 1903, Sam's Rooms and Meals, now called the Manley Roadhouse, opened in the community. The Manley Roadhouse is currently owned by Bob Lee who is also the town's postmaster. In 1907, a miner named Frank Manley built the Hot Springs Resort Hotel. The resort was a four-story building with 45 guest rooms, steam heat, electric lights, hot baths, a bar, a restaurant, a billiard room, a bowling alley, a barber shop, and an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool which used heated water from the hot springs. During the summer, the hotel's private boat transported guests from steamers on the Tanana River. In the winter, an overland stagecoach trip from Fairbanks took two days. The town was renamed Hot Springs.
The resort and the mining in the area caused the town to prosper. It had a store, a newspaper, a bakery, clothing stores and other businesses. The population of the area in 1910 was more than 500. In 1913 the resort burned to the ground. Mining activity was also in decline and by 1920 only 29 residents lived in Hot Springs.
Today the population is 74. Chuck and Gladys Dart purchased the Hot Springs in 1955 and in1985 built the spring-fed greenhouse. Chuck a horticulturalist, now deceased, planted the grapes curently growing in the greenhouse, while Gladys, a retired area teacher, planted and tends all the flowers. $5 and an appointment made at the Roadhouse will let you soak in one of three concrete baths located inside the greenhouse. (See photo gallery). Gladys keeps the baths open year round for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike. If you get a chance to meet Gladys, you'll be pleased. She is delightful, welcoming, personable, and a font of knowledge about the town, present and past.
MHS is about 80 miles down a gravel road off the Elliott Hwy north of Fairbanks just outside of Livengood. The gravel road offers great views and is very well maintained. I would guess I averaged about 50mph the entire way.
Enjoy!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ragjvarq Oevpu naq Sve