Yawning Falls

Yawning Falls is the tallest of the four waterfalls we surveyed 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 drop a total of 126 feet in three distinct steps; first in almost sheer plunges of 26 and 26 feet back-to-back in an extremely narrow crack in the bedrock, and then as the stream spreads out further over a more rugged section of the cliff, veiling a final 74 feet into a small pool. 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.A Yawn is a narrow opening or chasm, and we felt that given the narrow slot which the upper half of the falls steps down is one of the most prominent features of this waterfall, it was a fitting title to bestow upon it.