Front wrote: "This place was a very large marsh with many waters and much pasturage, but both are very salty, except for one spring where we are which is fair size and running." The white soil was likely alkaline residue of salt due to local water having no outlet. Water can only evaporate at the location, leaving a white salty looking soil. San Felipe Creek is now a National Natural Landmark and is managed by BLM to protect prehistoric, historic, and Native American values, outstanding scenic quality, vegetation, and wildlife habitat. San Felipe Creek was a Anza campsite location.