The resort grew to be able to accommodate 200 people, attracted by the curative powers of the mineral waters and the lovely mountain scenery.

In the 1920s its popularity waned, the hotel was partly burned, and it passed through various hands before the county claimed eminent domain, bought the property, and flooded it with the Highland Springs Reservoir.

[2] They are in the edge of the mountains that border the flat Big Valley area to the west of Clear Lake (California).

South of the springs, along the road westward from the hotel, a deposit of lime carbonate several feet thick was exposed for 50 yards (46 m) or more.

The spring rose in a small drinking pool in the center of an oval cemented basin, several feet across, on a gentle slope at the base of a low bank.

Beyond this area there was a small board-curbed pool which discharged about 2 US gallons (7.6 L; 1.7 imp gal) a minute of water at 73 °F (23 °C) in temperature.

Bates, Sole Proprietor, described Highland Springs Sanitarium as the Switzerland of America, and said it was "sheltered from the chilling coast winds and fogs by mountains 1,600 feet in height, which, for grandeur and beauty of scenery, are unsurpassed on the Pacific Coast, while the beneficial effects of its mineral waters are equal to any in the United States or Europe.

[10] An 1890 guide said, At Highland's we find a commodious hotel and many elegant cottages built with a view to health and beauty combined.

There is also a livery stable at which saddle horses and carriages may be procured for the drives to Lakeport, Soda Bay, Kelseyville, etc.

The climate is mild and dry, and the air is pure and filled with ozone and scents from the fragrant woods and plants which abound on the grounds.

At Highland's there are some twenty springs, all of which I examined in 1888....[11] As of 1910 a large frame hotel and half a dozen cottages situated in a small flat along the course of Adobe Creek provided accommodations for 200 guests.

[12] As of 2021 the 2,500 acres (1,000 ha) Highland Springs Recreation Area was managed by the County of Lake Watershed Protection District.

Visitors could engage in hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, disc golf, paddling, fishing, hunting, picnicking and swimming.

[14] The reservoir is stocked with warm water fish such as largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, catfish and bullhead.