Signs of Salton Sea, California

June 16, 2021

A celebrity paradise turned deserted wasteland; the 350 square mile manmade Salton Sea lies in an apocalyptic state in California’s southeastern desert. Celebrities like The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby once owned property on the lake but after years of tropical storms and increased salt concentration the lake has become deserted and remains littered with dismantled trailers, nautical debris and graffiti. The Salton Sea is completely un-swimmable due to its dangerous algae content and is 1 1/2 times saltier than the ocean. The paradise wasteland is now an important food source for migrating birds and a tourist destination for those who want a glimpse of possible end-times. While few people do live in the area, the lake has become a ghost of its past self. This collection of photographs illustrates the peculiar aura of the Salton Sea by capturing the surreal signs and messages that are spread across the abandoned region.