Near Smoot in Lincoln County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Periodic Spring

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015

1. Periodic Spring Marker

Inscription. Located 4 miles east of Afton in the Salt River Range, is the largest of three natural springs in the world that is naturally turn of and on. Water flow is interrupted from anywhere between 3 to 30 minutes, generally between the months of August - May. It is thought that a cave behind the spring creates a siphon which causes interruptions of the water flow. Its ability to turn off and on during low discharge stages has fascinated visitors since prehistoric times. Access to the spring is via the Swift Creek Road and requires 3/4 mile hike by trail.

Erected by Bridger National Forest.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 42° 30.376′ N, 110° 54.49′ W. Marker is near Smoot, Wyoming, in Lincoln County. Marker is on U.S. 89, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smoot WY 83126, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lander Cut-off (here, next to this marker); Lander Cut-off of the Oregon Trail (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Lander Cut-off of the Oregon Trail (approx. 5.2 miles away); Osmond (approx. 11.9 miles away).

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

sectionhead>More about this marker. This marker is located at the Salt River Pass summit turnout.

Also see . . . Intermittent Falls (Intermittent Spring) - You Tube. This is a time-lapse video clip of the Intermittent Spring near Afton, Wyoming. (Submitted on November 12, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Detail on the Periodic Spring Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015

2. Detail on the Periodic Spring Marker

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015

3. Periodic Spring Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on November 12, 2015, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 12, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.