The Great Salt Plains: 3 Tips to Know Before you Go
I don’t remember a ton about March 2020, and it was only a few months ago. I feel like it rained a lot, but I do know that we were in doing out best to settle into quarantine and I spent most of my free moments painting.
April rolled around and the weather got nicer. We had developed a severe case of cabin fever and decided to have a spontaneous day trip. We picked Great Salt Plains State Park in Jet, Oklahoma because Drew and I had both not been yet and always wanted to go.
If you’re not familiar, the Salt Plains is a truly unique and highly Instagram-able landscape in northwestern Oklahoma. Millions of years ago, the land was covered in seawater that dried up over time. The ocean left behind a thick layer of salt, which continues to be revived by the groundwater that seeps up. The resulting saline desert has the close-up illusion of an endless sandy beach, but from far away gleans like a smooth lake.
In addition to being frequented by professional photographers, local wedding parties and Instagrammers from all over; the Salt Plains are a hot spot for families in search of crystals, but not just any crystals. The hourglass selenite crystals are completely unique to the Salt Plains and can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. Although very rare and cool, don’t expect the ‘pretty’ crystals like that kind you buy at a hippy shop or trinket store. I only say that because…well, that’s what I was expecting. 😅
Whether you’re planning a trip just to check out the views, scope out your next photoshoot, or spend an afternoon digging for crystals, here are my top three tips for you visit to the Great Salt Plains.
1. Know Where You’re Going
This seems intuitive but for whatever reason, the listings for state parks don’t always bring you to your desired destination. So if you’re planning a visit, don’t type “The Great Salt Plains State Park” into your GPS and think you’re going to get to the salt flats. You’ll end up driving a long ways around the state park like we did. 😳 Be sure to check out the website for driving directions and information on crystal digging season ahead of time.
Once we made it to the salt flats, it’s honestly a mesmerizing scene to behold. It feels SO random in the middle of the plains, lakes and trees that you’ll find in the rest of the park. We visited the first day of the new digging season, so there were only a few visitors and not too many holes marring the landscape.
The road and digging areas are both typically well-marked. When you get to the marked dig areas, pick a spot and park. Some people carry chairs and walk a ways out into the dig zone.
When visiting, please be sure to help with conservation efforts and don’t leave the marked dig sites or disturb the nesting birds. You should also be aware that the area was once used for military testing. Signs in the area indicate strange objects may be found and instruct emergency personnel be contacted asap.
2. Bring Supplies
Visiting in the spring? Consider the Oklahoma spring wind, which will whip the salty sand into your eyes and nose. Bring a face covering and some sunglasses for protection.
Visiting in the summer? Pack sunscreen, your sunnies and potentially an umbrella as the ground is highly reflective and it gets HOT. You’ll also want to bring folding chairs if you’re planning on hanging out a while.
Regardless on the time of year, keep in mind there’s no water or restrooms around, so be sure to pack plenty of water and plan accordingly.
Ladies, don’t leave home without my newest road trip secret weapon that has CHANGED MY LIFE — trust me you’ll thank me later.
Finally, if you’re going to dig for crystals you’ll need to bring shovels and buckets for washing crystals free of the clay and dirt, and then letting them dry. I suggest some cheap dish brushes to help clean them up. You can check out a step-by-step process on digging for crystals here. If you’re bringing the kiddos, keep them entertained longer with sand-castle molds and beach toys. I also HIGHLY recommend you bring a change of clothes and shoes, and a couple extra towels just in case.
3. Wash your car ASAP after your visit
Visiting the Salt Plains is an awesome experience — and even more awesome when someone else drives. 😉 In all seriousness, the white salt and sand can be bad for your vehicles’ paint and machinery. Following our visit, Drew took the truck to the wash but ended up having to make an appointment for a professional engine cleaning to remove all of the salt that had been kicked up and caked on. Yikes.
The Great Salt Plains State Park also has other amenities, like nature trails, fishing and boating. For me, the main attraction here is surely the stunning saline surface.
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