Finney Lake, located a few miles north of Brawley in Imperial County, California, offers a unique desert paddling experience. The lake permits non-motorized boats, with launch access available from lakeshore areas and a designated boat launch. A dirt road circles the lake providing multiple access points, though the road can become difficult to navigate when wet.

The lake serves as a stopover on the Pacific Flyway, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing while paddling. Paddlers can observe Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, Cormorants, Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds, Soras, Northern Shovelers, American Coots, Green-winged Teals, and White-faced Ibis. An adjacent pond, which is off-limits during nesting season, provides additional bird habitat.

Morning hours typically offer the best paddling conditions. The lake is surrounded by agricultural land, which can affect air quality and create occasional unpleasant odors. Basic facilities include vault toilets, though recent reports indicate these may no longer be maintained. A public dump station and water fill are available within a quarter mile.

The lake requires a permit for overnight stays, and paddlers should check with local authorities regarding current permit requirements for day use. The surrounding landscape features level dikes that create defined paddling boundaries.

The area's historical significance dates back to its use by local fishermen, and today the lake continues to support a population of carp. The lake sits below sea level at approximately -164 feet elevation, creating a distinct ecological environment.

For safety considerations, paddlers should be aware of potential high winds, occasional poor water visibility from agricultural runoff, and the presence of coyotes in the surrounding area.