Crater Falls

Crater Falls is the largest single drop and final of the series of waterfalls found along the outlet stream of Crater Lake high in the Tolt River drainage, just over the height-of-land divide from the headwaters of Money Creek. The falls plunge a nearly sheer 94-feet into a small basin with an idyllic blue pool at its base, and scraggly Cedar and Hemlock trees lining the perimeter of the basin. The stream draining from Crater Lake could probably technically be considered the headwaters of the Tolt River itself, however this designation is note indicated as such on topographic maps of the area. Another branch of the headwaters of the Tolt drains from the small basin immediately west of Lake Elizabeth, and is crossed en route to Crater Lake, but the Crater Lake outlet is considerably larger in volume. Crater Lake, it's outlet stream, and all the waterfalls along it are situated within the Tolt River watershed, which is part of the water supply for the city of Seattle. There has long been a fisherman's trail to Crater Lake, and there are no signs indicating that access to the area is restricted. However given that public access is heavily restricted around the Tolt Reservoir further downstream, visitors to this area should be on their best behavior, and ensure to leave no trace - camping is likely not advisable either. Should signs appear indicating that public access is not allowed, do not proceed.As this is the best waterfall on the outlet of Crater Lake, and the basin which the falls drop into is almost crater-like in its depth and shape, we felt naming it after the lake was fitting.