If you haven’t seen Watson Falls and you find yourself in Central Oregon (or near Crater Lake), this is one we think you should add to your list.
Many waterfalls keep you trapped on a distant viewing platform, but not Watson. This is one waterfall where you can get as close as you dare.
What makes Watson Falls one of our Favorities
- The trail is way less crowded than nearby alternatives like Toketee Falls.
- It is rated moderate on AllTrails, though it felt on the easier side of moderate to us. It is only 0.9 miles round trip with a steady, easy climb.
- There are two viewpoints: one up high and one down at the base. Getting right up to the bottom of a 272-foot drop (the third-highest in Oregon) means you get to experience the mist full on and soak in views of the basalt lava cliffs.
- The boulder field at the base is wide open. The day we went, we watched a kid under 10 crawling around the wet boulders back near the water like Spider-Man. It was wild watching how nimble he was on the rocks, and it shows just how close you can actually get to the water compared to other spots.
What we didn’t like about Watson Falls
There wasn’t much we didn’t like about this hike, but if we have to pick something:
- The bridge on the loop portion of the trail was out of commission when we visited so we couldn’t follow the traditional loop trail. It didn’t prevent us from seeing the falls, but it turned the route into a strict out-and-back.
- The trail is mostly single track, so having everyone hike the same path both ways meant stepping off the trail to let people pass.
Know before you go
- Trailhead: Located right off Highway 138, just two miles east of the Toketee turnoff.
- Distance: 0.9 miles out-and-back until the loop bridge gets fixed.
- Footwear: The spray from the falls keeps the wood bridges and rocks permanently slick, so wear shoes with good traction.
- Gear tip: If you want photos near the base, bring something to wipe off your camera or phone lens. The mist coats the glass instantly.