Place to see: The Salton Sea, Mortmar, California, United States

About this place:

At 376 square miles the Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, and at an average of 51 feet, it is rather shallow. it is also, like nearby Death Valley, below sea level. The current size of the Salton Sea is due to the Colorado River being used to irrigate the Imperial Valley in the early part of the 20th century, and of course, eventually it flooded, filling the Salton Sink with water.

The Salton Sea was marketed as a tourist destination in the early part of the century, and for a while it was successful, yacht clubs and hotels went up, apparently the Rat Pack visited, but the success was not to last. Due to lack of an outlet, the water is now saltier than ocean water, and occasional algae blooms and bacteria kill off fish in huge numbers.

The area is full of photogenic run down buildings, trailers, hotels, and the nearly still water is like a mirror. Be aware that the fish do die off in the millions, so be prepared for it to be a bit stinky!