Summit Soda Springs

Summit Soda Springs is a mountain retreat in Placer County, California, set in a natural meadow among tall pines, firs and cedars and built around numerous soda springs. Mark Hopkins, Treasurer of the Central Pacific Railroad and one of the "Big Four," acquired the site in 1871 and built a log summer house there in 1873. A three-story hotel, leased to William Jones in 1872, hosted up to 85 guests until it burned in 1898. Timothy Hopkins later had a hand-cut granite chalet built, designed by San Francisco architect Henry Schulze. Surviving elements include the log house, chalet, log barn, soda well houses, a concrete fountain, guest cottages, miles of stone walls and cobblestone paths. The property was listed for its architecture, which reflects the late 19th century rustic tradition and its use of natural materials, and for its role as a summer retreat and resort frequented by prominent Californians. The chalet retains much of its original furnishing and interior woodwork.