Anderson-Watson Lakes Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.

This trail forms most of the route to Anderson and Watson Lakes, but you'll need to take the spur Anderson Lake Trail also to get the full experience.

Anderson-Watson Lakes Trail climbs over dirt, a bridge, and a boardwalk to a signed junction at 0.6 miles. The trail to the left heads to Anderson Butte, 600 feet and half a mile up, a great option if you have the extra energy. The main trail continues through heather meadows, crossing gentle streams and climbing to its highest point.

Just before reaching Watson Lakes, the trail enters the Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness. Designated in 1984, this wilderness area contains 14,666 acres of land that can only be accessed by Anderson-Watson Lakes Trail. Noisy and Diobsud are nearby creeks that flow through the wilderness.