The resort catered primarily to people interested in the curative powers of the mineral waters.

Howard Springs is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north-northeast of Whispering Pines.

[1] The springs are in a line about 50 yards (46 m) long at the foot of a slope along the south side of a drainage course.

[5] The springs all rise in an area of serpentinite within the shales and sandstones of which the hills in the vicinity are composed.

Excelsior or Borax Spring had a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) and discharged about 5 US gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) per minute into a plunge bath.

James W. Howard bought the Cushman Farm in Seigler valley on 4 December 1869, excluding the springs.

The resort by 1909 had a stable, two large lodge buildings, cabins, tent platforms and bathhouses.

[7] Sale of bottled water from Lithia, Bohemia and Eureka springs had been discontinued some years before 1909.

Water from the Hot Iron & Sulphur spring was fed to the bath house.

[7] From 1975 to 1983 Republic Geothermal had leases for exploration on 1,300 acres (530 ha), including Howard Springs.

[7] It is described as an "experiential learning environment, anchored by a healing hot springs retreat center and eco-village.