Von Schmidt Water Works!
When we told Al Frederick we drove all the way down to the Springs, he looked at us like we were nuts. I think we had a lot of room.
Anyway, I wasn't about to go all the way back up.
Once through here and we were home free. Illipah Springs is where several springs come out of the ground and run
together at one place to form one creek flowing down to Illipah Lake. These spring had a flow of 2,500,000
gallons of water a day through the summer months.
Where you see Brian is where they all come together at. The winter months the springs would produce as much as
5,000,000 gallons a day. The steam powered pumps could pump 1,500,000 gallons in a 24 hour period.
You can see some of the pipes they used here. The pump house was built straddle of the creek and the wall still remain. About a half
mile down from the pump house is several stone ruins of cabins, this was probably where the pump crew stayed. This is one beautiful creek
and cold too. One of these trip to Illipah Brian and I want to camp below, I think it would be great.
The whole thing cost $400,000 to build and nobody now how much to maintain. We got some good shot and had a great
day exploring.
I think that is why Brian and I enjoy so much exploring this area, because there is something up every canyon
it seem. We find more and more every time we come here.White Pine County and especially Hamilton is our favorite
spot.
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