Utah's deserts are a photographer's dream, yet very fragile. So pack up the family and head on over to Great Salt Plains State Park for an adventure you'll never forget! Great Salt Plains Lake's water temperature & fishing - Lake Monster A career studying one of the most unique ecosystems in the world might be smelly, but Jaimi Butler wouldnt trade her time on Great Salt Lake for anything. With such diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, how do you select from the 32 state parks in Oklahoma? High lining and electric fencing is permitted for the other sites at the Equestrian Camp. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge sits adjacent to the park and offers great bird watching and fall foliage viewing opportunities. How to identify, avoid and maybe appreciate Oklahoma's ticks. Visit Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, one of the chain of refuge areas for ducks and geese on the Continental Central Flyway. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. Pets Allowed ? This state park near the dam has cabins, RV sites and tent sites available if you want to camp in the park. The lake entered this week at 4,193.8 feet elevation at the Great Salt Lake State Park marina, more than 3 feet above lake levels this time last year and 5 feet above the officially recognized . Proposed solutions are:[5], There is a law requiring that a non federal partner help pay for restoration. The entrance is five and one-half miles north of Jet, Oklahoma, on State Highway 38. If youre making a day trip out of it (like we did) we highly recommend visiting the Great Salt Plains Lake afterward. Catch a fish here? **Notice** Selenite crystal digging at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge resumed on April 25, 2009. Great Salt Plains State Park: Dig For Crystals at This Oklahoma Park Enjoy biking, boating, bison-spotting, bird-watching and more. These sites can be reserved at the provided booking links. You can also go canoeing, rafting, kayaking year round at the park. There are plenty of signs explaining how to pay. The park also offers an interpretative trail, accessible to those with disabilities, a combination equestrian, hiking and mountain bike trail, boat ramps, and a designated swimming area. Salt Plains State Park Trail System - TravelOK.com Spring and fall are incredibly pleasant times to visit. The park has RV and tent sites, comfort stations with showers, cabins, picnic sites, group shelters, swimming beach, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing dock and equestrian trails. The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to sunset. If you're looking for an amazing outdoor getaway that's close to home, make sure to check out the Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge! Prepare to walk away as a hot, muddy mess! Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Equestrians can bring their horses to ride designated trails (Equestrian Campgrounds available), and there are nature trails toenjoy while taking in the scenery. Youll turn north onto N2650 Rd, then back east on Garvin Rd until you reach the site. JOIN OUR OKLAHOMA FACEBOOK GROUP! Alabaster Caverns State Park: Your Complete Guide, Your email address will not be published. Whether you're looking for things to do, places to eat, or just some general information, we've got you covered! If you dig down and you hear a crunch, you know there are crystals there. If you are wanting to dig for crystals then you need to plan your visit between April 1st and Oct 15th. You can only take home so many crystals! Concentrated saline water combines with gypsum to promote growth of a crystal with an hourglass shaped sand inclusion. The saline content is reportedly one-fourth that of the ocean. We ate from our packed cooler for this trip instead. You can also go canoeing, rafting, kayaking year round at the park. The park consists of 820 acres of land and water located entirely within Alfalfa County. A study made in 1931 for the United States Army Corps of Engineers proposed building a flood control dam in the Great Salt Plains area. For additional info contact Alfalfa County, (580) 626-4794. 2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, Find the Season's Best at Oklahoma's U-Pick Farms, The Lookout Kitchen at Oklahoma State Parks. Address: Rt 1 Box 28 Jet, OK 73749 Phone: 580-626-4731 The Salt Plains State Park Trail System in Jet consists of two trails on the north side of the Great Salt Plains Lake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Great Salt Lake in this state park has half as much salt content compared to the ocean. Pro Tip: Once you dig a section with your shovel stop. It will be fully enforced by June 1st. The park rotates which lots are used for digging each year to avoid overuse of each lot. I was giddy upon pulling up to the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma. The lake covers 9,300 acres (38km2) and has 91 miles (146km) of shoreline. Did you know that mile for mile, Oklahoma offers the nation's most diverse terrain? Saugeye, Features/Facilities: Coffee Maker ? Digging times are available from April 1 through October 15. For a unique getaway, check out Cabin 15, also known as the "Cabin on the Lake." Retrieved April 20, 2013. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, White Bass ? For visitor center information or information on hunting and crystal digging, call the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge at (580) 626-4794. you'll find fishing opportunities for catfish; saugeyes (a type often found near shorelines); sandbass which resembles white bass but have darker backsides. Your email address will not be published. Great Salt Plains | Crystal Digging Adventures - Naturally Oklahoma It is located 8 miles (13km) north of Jet, Oklahoma on SH-38 and 12 miles (19km) east of Cherokee. Farms across Oklahoma are throwing open their gates and inviting visitors to enjoy bountiful harvests of ripe berries, sweet peaches, fresh Oklahoma has divided its diverse landscape into six regions or "countries" - each with a distinct flavor, image and unique cities and towns that make great destination sites. Great Salt Lake | Visit Utah Return to Area Map Upstream Gauge: Downstream Gauge : Flood Categories (in feet) Major Flood Stage: 20: Moderate Flood Stage: 18: Flood Stage: 16: Action Stage: 7: Low Stage (in feet): . There is zero shade, so hats with wide brims and sunglasses are needed. About 1-2 feet below the surface is salty water, but not as salty as the ocean. [3], The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. You might be a little dirty after all that crystal hunting! On the west edge of the lake, visitors can dig for selenite crystals. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Visitors from all over the world come to collect the unique crystals. The dam was completed in July 1941, with a water capacity of 31,420 acre-feet (38,760,000m3). Office Fax: 580-626-4730. A saline aquifer still flows beneath the surface and replenishes the salt whenever the water table rises. Not your typical white sandy beach, Bonneville Salt Flats is made of a layer of salt so dry, thick and hard that certain portions are inhospitable to life. The Great Salt Plains Lake area is the only documented area in the world where they are found. The 22 parks are:[6]. This process also plays a role in the formation of selenite crystals that visitors covet. Activities on the refuge are strictly controlled with many areas closed from October 15 through April 1. Be sure to check the latest fire restrictions before lighting a campfire, and always know the. Bring your suits and a cooler for a picnic lunch and drinks. The crystal dig area is southwest of the lake in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Grab a blanket, pack a basket, gather family and friends and discover some of our Great Salt Plains Lake is located on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River near the communities of Jet and Cherokee. The Lookout Kitchen, Oklahoma State Park's official restaurant partner, is serving up its dynamic menu full of comfort classics and Oklahoma Planning the perfect picnic in Oklahoma has never been easier. Here is a link for more parking info. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. Great Salt Plains Lake | Outdoorsy The 32,197-acre Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge borders the lake on its upper end. When we were here we actually saw a deer leap into the water and swim across the other side never breaking a stride. The island hosts free-range bison, antelopes, bighorn sheep and mule deer. Advance camping reservations are recommended. These crystals feature an hourglass inclusion which is unique to the Great Salt Plains. Available species include largemouth bass, catfish, carp, crappie, sunfish and sauger. Is Oklahoma City Worth Visting? Protection from the sun- hat, sunscreen, etc. shovels (large and small) for digging (sturdy, not the plastic shovels that easily break), pails, buckets, or egg cartons for collection of crystals, jugs of fresh water for rinsing hands (and more), old towels for cleaning up & for car ride home, sunscreen (the light-colored ground reflects the sun back up to you), rainboots or washable flip flops or sandals, something to carry your gear (washable wagon or large bucket), ice chest with snacks & drinks & plenty of water, beach chairs (if you plan to stay awhile), pop-up tent or canopy (for shade) or beach umbrella that sticks in the sand, potty chair for littles / sanitizer (there are porta-potties located on-site), set a couple out as a cool display in your home or kids rooms, keep a collection for kids to play with (great for sorting activities and for game pieces), display them in glass jars or bottles (we have a sea glass collection in a jar on our mantle this makes another fun addition! Horse rental is not available. Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir on the flood plains of the lake. The barren landscape of the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of salt leftover from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the saltwater lake in the park, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean. Great Salt Plains Lake is a shallow, salty lake that covers 8690 surface acres with 41 miles of shoreline. Things to Do & Reasons to Visit, Great Salt Plains | Crystal Digging Adventures, 31 Amazing Things to Do in Broken Bow, OK. Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir on the flood plains of the lake. Oklahoma offers many diverse camping options perfect for an RV or motorhome getaway. Handicap Accessible ? Enjoy the momentary shade, because there is none out on the plains! Subscribe to see occasional emails and blog updates. The park has RV and tent sites, comfort stations with showers, cabins, picnic sites, group shelters, swimming beach, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing dock and equestrian trails. The lake is separated by a railroad causeway that has created two separate ecosystems. Fishing - Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Refuge waters include Great Salt Plains Reservoir (8,000 acres), Salt Fork River (two miles) and Sand Creek (two miles). Also located along the shores of Great Salt Plains Lake is Great Salt Plains State Park. The Lookout Kitchen, Oklahoma State Park's official restaurant partner, is serving up its dynamic menu full of comfort classics and Oklahoma Planning the perfect picnic in Oklahoma has never been easier. Community Building ? (Read: A Year-Round Guide to Great Salt Lake State Park). Located just under the surface of the salt plains, these crystals usually form into an hourglass shape. The smell is noticeable along the Davis County Causeway, but resolves once you reach Antelope Island. Here are some of our ideas: Be sure to wash your vehicle well once back home. Visitors enjoy viewing the flat's 11,200 acres of salt-crusted plains or digging for the famous Salt Plains selenite crystals. The area is protected for whooping cranes for the rest of the year. Bucket- to put your crystals into and wash them. Restrooms accommodate wheelchairs. At this elevation. After leaving the dig area, remember to also rinse the salt off your car. Kitchen ? From the caves of Alabaster Caverns State Park to the sand dunes of Little Sahara State Park and the oasis of Boiling Springs, the state parks in northwest Oklahoma serve up diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. There isnt another single place in the world like it, with these unique selenite crystals. Great Salt Plains Lake. The Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge sits adjacent to the park and offers great bird watching and fall foliage viewing opportunities. Recreational opportunities at Great Salt Plains State Park include boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and exploring. Personal watercraft are not recommended. When the Tulsa District was organized in July of 1939, the . [5], According to officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the future of the lake appears grim if no remedial action is taken. The lake consists of 8,700 surface acres and sits in a basin bordered by salt plains on the west with red shale bluffs and sandy beaches nearer the dam. Now, hourglass-shaped crystals wait to be discovered, just below the surface. Digging season begins on April 1 and ends on October 15 each year and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Over time, increased evaporation and a warming climate caused the lakes water levels to rise and fall dramatically. Dont worry, the open areas are clearly marked. This in itself was a pretty cool fact to learn about! Personal watercraft are not recommended. Travel Responsibly, Northern Utah experiences dry, sunny summers typically peaking around 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July or August. Discover simple ways you can conserve water from the Utah Governors Water Conservation Team visit slowtheflow.org. Fishing is allowed year round in the area near the dam. Your Exploration Guide for Crystal Digging at Salt Plains National [3], The Great Salt Plains cover an area of 11,000 acres (45km2). 5418 W Owen K Garriott Rd, Enid, OK 73703, 4406 W Owen K Garriott Rd, Enid, OK 73703, 5505 W Owen K Garriott Rd, Enid, OK 73703, 1101 E Prospect Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601, Second CWD-positive Wild Deer Confirmed in Oklahoma, Outdoor Oklahoma Embarks on Its 48th Season, Upland Update: Turkey Researchers Report Evidence of Depredation, ODWC Ending Caviar Program; Paddlefish Research to Continue. Every cabin has a bed, refrigerator, andstove. Blanket and chairs- If you want to sit on something other than the ground. You dont have to go far from the city to find dark skies filled with stars in Utah. The Public Hunting area is ran on a first come, first servedbasisand also offers controlled hunts in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Aerial view of Great Salt Plains Lake Dam on the Salt Fork Arkansas River. For camping information, reservations or to confirm availability of facilities, call theSalt Plains State Park at (580) 626-4731. There are no individual hookups, but throughout the warmer months, you'll find shower facilities, drinking water and concessions, including Buffalo Grill. Sound of Freedom at an AMC Theatre near you. Below the spillway on the north side is a large paved area and fishing jetty. Design studies began in 1937 and the Corps broke ground for construction in September 1938. The park also offers an interpretative trail, accessible to those with disabilities, a combination equestrian, hiking and mountain bike trail, boat ramps and a designated swimming area. There is no admission fee for Great Salt Plains State Park. "Can the Great Salt Plains Lake be saved?" Due to its shallowness, not all types of boating and fishing activities aresuitable for the main body of the lake, but fishing for catfish and other speciesis a popular activity downstream of the concrete dam structure.