Discover the Fascinating Salton Sea: California's Largest Lake and Wildlife Paradise
California's Salton Sea, the state's largest lake, offers endless wonders. While reading about it provides insights, a personal visit reveals its true magic.
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
As the Salton Sea shrank, it lost some appeal, prompting the late entertainer, Palm Springs mayor, and Congressman Sonny Bono to advocate for its wildlife in Washington, D.C. This led to the creation of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
Spanning 2,200 acres at the Salton Sea's southern end, the refuge features managed wetland habitats, rye grass fields for wintering geese, and tree rows. It supports breeding grounds for wildlife like desert cottontails, Merriam's kangaroo rats, valley pocket gophers, and more. Located along the Pacific Flyway, it's a prime birdwatching spot and vital rest stop for species including the elusive Yuma clapper rail, often heard but rarely seen. Two walking trails offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Nestled on the north shore with 14 miles of shoreline, the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SRA) welcomes day visitors for fishing, boating, picnicking, and birding, plus overnight camping. Key attractions include:
- Boating, water skiing, and powerboating thrive here due to high salinity, making boats float higher, run more efficiently, and achieve top speeds—earning it a reputation as one of America's fastest lakes. Varner Harbor provides easy access; kayaking is also popular.
- Fishing requires a valid license; tilapia is the primary catch thanks to the salty waters.
- Birdwatching enthusiasts flock here, with 400 migratory species along the Pacific Flyway.
- Numerous nature trails and informative ranger-led hikes cater to hikers.
Stops Around the Salton Sea
Enhance your visit with these nearby highlights:
- Oasis Date Gardens in Thermal, a leading U.S. date producer and organic-certified since 2000 on 175 acres. Sample fresh dates and try their signature Medjool date shake.
- The International Banana Museum in Mecca holds a Guinness World Record for its 20,000 banana-themed items, from lamps to statues. Enjoy a banana split—no banana love required!
Key Facts About the Salton Sea
- California's largest lake and the nation's third-largest saline lake.
- No outlet.
- Surface elevation: 227 feet below sea level.
- Average depth: 29.9 feet; maximum: about 50 feet.
- Watershed: 8,000 square miles.
- Annual inflow: 1.3 million acre-feet; salt load: 4 million tons.
- Annual evaporation: 1.3 million acre-feet.
- Home to the only U.S. population of yellow-footed gulls.
A Storied History
- Formed by a 1905 flood, the Salton Sea boomed in the 1920s with resorts and homes. By the 1950s, stars like Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lewis raced boats here. The North Shore Beach & Yacht Club, designed by Albert Frey, opened in 1959 for celebrities. A 1981 flood closed it, but restoration in 2010 transformed it into the Salton Sea History Museum and Visitor Center. Learn more at the website.
Visitor Information
Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SRA) Headquarters
100-225 State Park Road off Highway 111
Mecca, CA 92254
(760) 393-3059 (park)
(760) 393-3810 (visitor center)
International Banana Museum
98775 Highway 111
Mecca, CA 92254
(619) 840-1429
Oasis Date Gardens
59-111 Grapefruit Blvd.
Thermal, CA 92274
(800) 827-8017
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
906 W. Sinclair
Calipatria, CA 92233
(760) 348-5278
