After an interrupted night parallel to the movie My Cousin Vinny, I awoke at eight a.m., unusual for a working grandma used to rising at five. I discovered the downfall of this campground—the Union Pacific runs track a few feet away from the campsite. Unfortunately, the regularity of the train’s schedule and consistent horn-blowing on the hour guaranteed a disturbing night’s sleep.
After a few cups of coffee, the grandson and I headed out for an early morning hike towards the north shore of the lake in search of some ruins and a tree full of cormorants, leaving the husband to sleep in. Walking through the sand-like barnacles and bone remnants reminded me of post-holing through snow—with each step your foot burrows into the ground. Although tiring, we rested often, stopping to photograph the remaining wildlife unafraid of the two approaching humans and their crunching noises.
Over 400 species of birds have been documented at Salton Sea. With few aquatic habitats in the California desert, the Salton Sea is an appealing rest stop for migrating birds, including typical sea and shorebirds. As we walked along the water’s edge, the grandson and I spotted White Pelicans, Sandpipers, Blue Heron’s, and Great Egrets enjoying the early morning solitude.
As we continued hiking, the grandson and I found the remains of the old yacht club along the north shore. Wooden columns from a long ago pier, stuck out of the water and provided seating for the local Cormorants. Back in it’s hey day, the North Shore was a popular recreation and resort destination. The grandson climbed over what looked to be a fifties-style bathroom with pink and sea green tile still intact.
The remainder of the day passed quickly and before we knew it we were gifted with another beautiful sunset. It was our last night at Salton Sea, so after a dinner of brats and Bush’s baked beans, we lit a fire in the metal grille substituting for a fire pit and roasted marshmallows.
This is a beautiful state park with a lot of amenities for both RVers and tent campers. I would return in a flash, if only the trains would take a break at night from blowing their horns. Unfortunately, listening to the trains pass all night blasting their horns and rattling the rails really is a deal breaker for me. I recommend a day trip or earplugs if you stay overnight.
Just Regular Folks Wandering 
We stayed at the Salton Sea – a gorgeous setting as one can see from you photos – but I don’t remember trains. I’m wondering if I’m immune to them after staying at so many campgrounds next to railroad tracks.
Hi Carol, We were staying at the State Park, right off the highway. If you were fortunate enough to be on the other side you may not have heard trains!
We stayed at the State Park and neither of us remember trains! We must be going senile. Or deaf.
Ohhhhh yea, the trains. Saw those and they do appear to be really busy tracks. Ear Plugs would definitely be in order. Rhonda has a set of headphones she can sleep in!! plugs them into her I-Pad, that would work.
The hum of the train itself isn’t bad, it’s when they lay on the horn! This last time we managed to tune them out, at least I did!