What a lovely oasis in the middle of Death Valley. But unfortunately it's all an illusion - the pools and the creek are salty. But some species adapted and survived the transformation of the original lake into a salty environment - for example the pupfish, who is only 2 inch long.
The pupfish are easily visible from the boardwalk, which closely overlooks the salty creek bed. They are born each desert spring once the spring waters come to the dry creekbeds. They grow rapidly and can mature in only about 2 to 3 months. The fish will breed for as long they can, but most eventually die in about another 3 to 6 months, when the extreme desert heat dries up the creeks and pools. A few survive in places that manage to not dry up completely and become dormant until the next spring's warmth arrives.
Directions
Starting at Furnace Creek, follow 190 North for about 12 miles and you will find a small side road leading to Salt Creek to your left (about 2 miles after you have passed Beatty Junction).
