Kayakers flock to Death Valley after severe rain creates ‘extremely rare’ lake

Kayaking at Badwater Basin earlier in February. Photograph: Michael Kohler/NPS

The rains that soaked California in recent weeks have created an unusual opportunity for kayaking in the driest place in the US.

Visitors at Death Valley national park have a rare chance for aquatic recreation in a temporary lake that formed in Badwater Basin, the National Park Service said in a statement.