Watson Falls in Oregon 2025

Picturesque Watson Falls is located on Watson Creek in Crater Lake National Park, Douglas County, Oregon. The 272-ft (83-m) waterfall is the highest in southwest Oregon. It is also one of the most photographed. A columnar waterfall is located at an elevation of 3,353 ft (1,022 m) and can be reached by the 0.4-mi (0.6-km) Watson Falls Trail #1496.

The trailhead is located at the parking lot with picnic tables near Watson Creek. The trail that starts at the southern side of the parking lot climbs through an ancient forest. Soon hikers will see a flat rock and a free-fall cascade. Walk across the bridge that leads to a bench and a lookout with an excellent view. On the platform, hikers can feel the mist from the waterfall and see it up close. The trail goes back down the west side of Watson Creek and ends at the parking area. It's open year-round, but spring, summer, and fall months (April through November) are recommended as the best season. Also, the time frame between late June and early July is praised for the largest flow due to melting snow.