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Map Satellite Borax Lake lies in a shallow depression to the east of Clear Lake. It is highly alkaline and only salt-tolerant species exist on its margins and the adjacent borax flats. Vegetation includes Distichlis spicata, Ruppia maritima, and Atriplex sp. At the south end of the lake there is a freshwater marsh. Nearby is a population of the rare Eriastrum brandegeae.
A number of waterfowl have been observed on the lake including green-winged teal, Anas carolonensis, cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, common golden-eye, Bucephala clangula, ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, and hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus. It has been suggested that the birds may find the high alkalinity helpful in removing parasites.
There is no outlet and the lake occasionally dries. The source of the borax appears to be near the end of a recent obsidian flow lying to the south of the lake. This flow may have originated near the lake. Solfataric activity in the area is weak but a faint odor of hydrogen sulphide is present. The obsidian has been quarried by the Indians for arrowheads.
Integrity: The first borax mined in the United States, 1864-68, was from the bottom mud of the lake. The area has been further disturbed by a road and a part of an orchard.
Use: Private
Ref: Vonsen, M. and G. D. Hanna. 1936. Borax Lake, California. Calif. Jour. Mines and Geo.32, pp.99-108.
July 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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