Just one time hiking the Watson Lake Loop Trail and it becomes obvious why the Dells must be preserved as much as possible.
The Watson Lake Loop is one of the most popular for those who live here, but with more folks moving into the area, it’s a treat to show this trail to those who haven’t been on it previously.
I recently hiked it with first-timer Wayne Kramer. We sat on a bench overlooking the serene water and the Dells on the other side. Kramer marveled at the beauty and was convinced that he made the right decision in retiring here.
The five-mile loop trail captures the beauty of the Dells and connects with many others, taking you as far as you want to go. Our pleasure on this day was to connect with the Peavine Trail and then to the Iron King Trail, with its old train engine as our turnaround point, making an eight-mile hike.
The Watson Lake Loop climbs and descends some steep, rocky terrain as hikers scamper over the Granite Dells boulders. Kramer was thankful for the white dots showing us the way, mentioning that the trail would be hard to follow without them. I agree!
The area’s rock formations are marvelous, and can be fun to climb. The birds and wildlife add allure to this trail. Ducks greeted us when we started the trek, and we were treated to an eagle in flight on our way out. Herons, egrets and other birds add to the scenery.
Nearby Willow Lake is a birder’s paradise, the cormorants and herons having returned for the season. One cute owl with babies is bringing the birders out in droves. The daddy owl just made an appearance. Deer and javelina are not uncommon on these trails as well.
The Watson Lake Loop includes parts of four other trails, but the most common point to start from is the North Shore Trail, not far from the Watson Lake Park entrance. There is a parking fee to enter, and there are plenty of bathrooms and ramadas for shady relaxing or eating lunch.
The elevation change is minimal, starting at 5,075 feet and topping out at 5,237, though that can be deceptive because there are several small ups and downs.
Starting from the north shore you’ll quickly get into the boulders, including Balancing Rock, where some practice their bouldering skills.
In about a half mile you’ll come to a small overlook, where you can see the top of the dam, built in 1900 when the Chino Valley Irrigation District was formed. Soon after you begin the descent. From the bottom you’re looking up at the dam.
You’ll see some wonderful streams with cattails and a nice riparian area. A little footbridge takes you across, and side trail leads from the bridge to just under the dam.
The Over the Hill Trail takes you back to the Dells, passing spectacular trails along the way. One leads down to Secret Cove for those who want to add just a tad more mileage. Granite Mountain is off in the distance.
The Lakeshore, Peavine, Discovery and Watson Lake trails all come together to help the hiker complete this loop.
Stan Bindell is always looking for a good hike. If you have one, contact him at thebluesmagician@gmail. com
