Lee Creek

Originally published on Greengale

Vast, barren salt flat landscapes surround the Great Salt Lake where water existed about 40 years ago. The muddy, salty, sulfurous ground here is not pleasant to walk on—note the lack of footprints, because nobody comes here, despite being a waterfront within a half hour drive of a million people. It remains a beautiful, tranquil place (although not quiet due to the freeway and airport), inhabited only by birds, and in the summer months, thick swarms of insects.

Seen here just after sunrise on a chilly January morning in 2026, Lee Creek meanders across the space between I-80 and the water.

Aerial view of a winding river snaking through a vast, barren salt flat landscape. The river curves in S-shaped meanders from the foreground toward the horizon, its dark teal water contrasting with the gray-white mineral crust of the surrounding terrain. Sparse rust-colored vegetation lines the riverbanks. In the distance, a hazy mountain rises above what appears to be a shallow lake or wetland area. The sky is overcast with soft blue-gray clouds, creating a moody, ethereal atmosphere. The overall palette is cool and muted—silvers, grays, and dusty blues dominate the scene.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Antelope Island looms in the distance, a uniquely isolated mountain peak that has not actually been an island for many years. There you will find herds of bison, and good opportunities for stargazing on the west side, since the mountain blocks the light of the city.

This is an excellent area for exploring by drone. I've taken mine out here many times, going out over the water as far as halfway to Antelope Island, but battery life limits its range. Perhaps I could ignore the warnings, fly it all the way over, then drive out to the island to pick it up...