The concept of the Eternal Flame has long conjured a sense of power and endurance. And while the version on display at Flaming Geyser State Park in Auburn might not have the power of an Olympic torch or a sculpture, it’s all the more impressive given its humble heritage.
You could easily miss the namesake spot, given all the other attractions here. If you were busy hiking or biking around the many wooded paths, you’d probably be distracted by the trees, the moss drooping down and meeting the ferns, with little tributary creeks running alongside.
If you were out on the river, navigating a flotilla of rafts or inner tubes (or, if you were feeling particularly brave, taking a dip directly in the bracingly cool current), you would certainly be kept well-occupied by the ever-changing course of the Green River, enjoying a unique chance to do a bit of drifting through some unique landscapes.
And if it’s the air you’re into, this park has also become a testing ground for model airplane enthusiasts. Behind this all-purpose outdoor playground lies an incredible story of industrial endeavors and nature colliding with fascinating results.
The Unique Legacy of Auburn’s Flaming Geyser State Park
Geology and chemistry provided the foundation for this unique phenomenon, but human activity was what lit the last spark (literally). Years before any formal park was established, this area was part of the active mining region in and around Black Diamond.
It was during one of these miner’s exploratory trips in the early 1900s that the original flame was found. One thousand feet underground, a small enclave of methane gas had been steadily forming, shaped by a system of geothermal vents. All it took was a couple of tool strikes to release the pent-up energy.
A combination of saltwater and gas formed a vivid entity, hurtling 25 feet into the air. The fire varied in height occasionally, but it continued burning from that day onwards.
Practically next door, another oddity discovered through mining drew attention: the aptly named Bubbling Geyser, whose churning surface was formed courtesy of a layer of calcium meeting methane and creating a distinct, burbling substance in the water.
By the 1920s, the area around these remarkable features had been turned into a private park, and it remained that way until the 1960s.
That was the point when bankruptcy set in, and the land was at severe risk of being broken up and sold to developers. The Washington State Parks system acquired the property, and it was officially designated Flaming Geyser State Park, with 480 acres set aside for outdoor pursuits.
Getting Out And About in Flaming Geyser State Park
First, the sad news: the original namesake phenomenon is not quite what it was. Even by the 1960s, the flame had started to dwindle somewhat, and as the original fuel source has dwindled, it is no longer being kept lit on a regular basis.
The good news is that there is still plenty to see here, including the picturesque trail leading to the original methane vent. And the Bubbling Geyser is still going strong, weaving its way through the woods parallel to a creek. With its ashy color and steady flow, it offers a glimpse into the same geothermal forces that shape the famous geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
Of course, the water is just as much of a draw. Along with the swimmers and kayakers, fishers can often be found looking for the latest catch on the riverbank. And if you prefer to explore the trails on four feet rather than two, the trail system includes a one-mile path that’s made specifically for horseback riding.
As for the planes, they can generally be found in and around a large meadow near the park entrance, set aside specifically to provide a suitable runway and room for maneuvers. Younger visitors have an entire playground to frolic on, and there are plenty of picnic shelters for casual gatherings and parties.
Naturally, all of these amenities make this an irresistible place to visit in the spring and summer, but it’s no slouch in the latter half of the year.
Fall is particularly active, as the salmon make their swim upriver, laying eggs and becoming part of the local food chain. The Salmon Matter Interpretive Trail tells this story in greater detail, with signs chock full of stories about these dynamic fish and their role in the local ecosystem.
And no matter when you visit, the short walk to the site of the original flame is well worth your time. Though quieter now, the little concrete pad is still a reminder of the many wonders that we can find in our backyard or even buried beneath them.
Flaming Geyser State Park is located at 23700 Southeast Flaming Geyser Road in Auburn. It is open from 8 a.m. until dusk all year round. Find reservations, tips, and more at the park’s official site or the Washington State Parks website.
