It enters the Gulf of Mexico between Calcasieu Lake and Vermilion Bay on the Chenier Coastal Plain.

These habitats are confined within the mainland and isolated from the influence of saltwater by a series of water control structures or locks.

[2] A significant percentage of the basin lands are publicly owned as Federal refuges and State wildlife management areas.

[3] Pirate Jean Laffite is rumored to have sailed into the area during the 19th century, possibly stashing gold treasure.

Researchers believe this human cargo could possibly be the missing slaves from the topsail hermaphrodite schooner Huntress.