Great Salt Plains Lake — Attraction in Jet

Great Salt Plains Lake, located in northwestern Oklahoma, is a unique and fascinating destination known for its salt flats and the opportunity to dig for selenite crystals.

Salt Flats: The lake is surrounded by vast salt flats, a remnant of an ancient inland sea. These flats are particularly striking and provide a unique landscape not commonly found in the region.

Selenite Crystals: The area is famous for its hourglass-shaped selenite crystals, which can only be found here. These crystals form just below the surface and can be dug up by visitors.

Crystal Digging: The main attraction is digging for selenite crystals. The designated digging area is open from April to October, and visitors of all ages can enjoy this activity. It’s recommended to bring tools like small shovels and buckets.

Wildlife Watching: The Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the lake, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching, especially during migratory seasons. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including endangered whooping cranes.

Boating and Fishing: The lake allows for boating and fishing, with species like catfish, saugeye, and sand bass commonly found.

Camping: There are camping facilities available, including both RV and tent sites. The campgrounds offer basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms.

Picnic Areas: Several picnic areas around the lake provide a perfect spot for day visitors to enjoy a meal amidst nature.

Some Tips: -The salt flats can get very hot and bright, so bringing sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water is essential. -Bringing digging tools like shovels, hand trowels, and containers for your finds can enhance the experience. As we took only a small shovel, we couldn't dig deeper. You need to dig about 2 feet deep. -Visiting during the cooler parts of the day can make the experience more comfortable, especially in the summer.

The place is located southwest of the lake in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, and access roads are available six miles west of Jet or three miles south of Cherokee. Jet is a town in southeast Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, United States. The population is said to be around only 200. We couldn't find the digging area at first, using maps and we ended up in the administrative office. The information said it's 14 miles away. But it was informative to visit the help desk.

The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from...

My intent was to capture another session of night photos from one of our mid-western lakes, this time that being the Great Salt Plains Lake. I didn't arrive early enough to make my normal scouting trip so it was just hit and miss regarding which areas would make the best landscapes. While I'm not professional by any means I do love to use the clouds, stars and moon to make at least some "interesting" images. This lake has everything needed - the spillway, sandy beach, rocky shores and grassy areas plus some really cool roads around the lake. :) I encountered some wind so clouds were moving – something to highlight the night sky. The lake is well balanced related to shore – vs – sky angles. There are steps besides the spillway area making perfect viewing of the water and lake both. There are elevated shore lines and lake level lines too. I was able to find enough access via a short hike or drive right up to the lake to make even someone like me look like I knew what I was doing, even at those dark hours. I found a pyramid on the sandy beach area and took a photo of that – left it untouched as well. I’m looking forward to another visit in the “winter” months although I’m not sure of the weather in that part of the country. Does it snow? I’ll just have...

I recently visited Great Salt Plains Lake and had a wonderful experience. Not only is the lake a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, but it also offers a unique opportunity to find hourglass selenite crystals. The crystal digging area was easy to find and the staff provided helpful information on where to dig and what to look for. I was able to find several beautiful hourglass selenite crystals in a short time. The lake also offers great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families. I highly recommend Great Salt Plains Lake for anyone looking for a fun and unique outdoor experience, especially if you're interested in crystal hunting. It's definitely a great...