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Anderson Creek drains from several lakes on the southwest side of Mount Watson, itself looming high above Baker Lake. The creek drops over 4,000 feet in its 5-mile run from its source to Baker Lake and with such a loss of elevation spawns several significant waterfalls. While the large canyon near the mouth of the creek may harbor a significant waterfall itself, it appears inaccessible. Traveling further upstream however yields a much more discrete but quite significant fall, plunging a sheer 108 feet into a mossy grotto just downstream from a frequently used Forest Service Road.
While this waterfall should be worth visiting at almost any time of year (other than Winter that is), Anderson Creek does exhibit a pretty significant swing in volume as the seasons progress. During the spring freshet the volume of water pounding over the falls can be considerable, potentially sending up a wall of spray which may make photography very difficult. During the late summer the creek will shrink in size so that only a narrow plume of water is present, but there should be ample flow at any time of year to warrant visitation.
- Middle Anderson Creek Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Located near the Watson Lakes Trail east of Baker Lake. From Interstate 5 in Burlington take Highway 20 to the Baker Lake Road, turn left and then follow it for just under 14 miles to the signed Baker Dam Road (FSR #1106) and turn right. Continue down hill for 1.75 miles to the Baker Dam and drive across (one lane, so be observant for oncoming traffic). From the south end of the dam, continue for another 5.8 miles on what is now Anderson-Watson FSR #1107 to a wood bridge spanning Anderson Creek. From the bridge, continue another 900 feet up the road to a grassy pulloff on the left (downhill) and park. Walk up the road for several dozen yards and locate a tiny stream which passes under the road via a culvert. With this stream on your left, enter the woods and head down the hill on gradual slopes. Eventually you will come to the edge of the canyon where the slope drops off much more steeply. Descend carefully, staying away from the small stream to the bottom of the canyon where the falls will be visible directly upstream from where the tiny tributary enters. The climb down isn't overly brushy but some proper bushwhacking is necessary. Devils Club is fairly profuse in this area, so pick your route down carefully.
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