Willow Lake is now getting the added benefit of excess water from Watson Lake, as well as water flowing into the lake from Willow Creek. This is an exciting development, as the water level at Willow Lake has been down by at least 10 feet until very recently. The city has opened the gate to the channel that allows excess water from Watson to flow over to Willow Lake. Watson Lake is the fullest I have seen it in at least a year and a half. When I arrived at the lake just a few days ago, the first bird I saw was a Bald Eagle in flight! From the pullout on Highway 89 I have a few spots that I look at where I can tell whether the water level has gone up or down. I usually check the level of Watson Lake each week, as well. When I checked the creek just a few days ago, it was running hard. It is only a short walk from the parking lot to Granite Creek. With each big storm, I am in the habit of visiting the Watson Woods trailhead located at the intersection of Rosser and Highway 89. Our home is situated along an unnamed creek, and I am always happy to see it flowing. When we experience a good storm I go check the flow of the various creeks in Prescott-and we have a lot of them, some named, and many unnamed. You’ve probably heard of storm chasers – well I consider myself to be a river and lake watcher-not just a bird watcher! I am fascinated by weather, and the impact weather has on our local creeks and lakes.

When I checked the day before, all rentals were completely booked.Our recent snowfall and abundant rains have produced an incredible amount of runoff. If you do plan to rent, be sure to plan ahead of time. This area is pretty but is busy because it’s where all of the rentals launch. From here, you’ll launch into a marshy, grass surrounded area. The South Ramp is where you’ll find kayak/paddle board/canoe rentals.It allowed me to get out and start exploring the coves right away! The North Ramp launches you into a boulder area of the water, which is personally where I launched.You can launch from either boat ramp – both ramps have a parking lot nearby: Upon arriving at Watson Lake Park, you’ll need to enter through a pay station, where you’ll have the option to pay cash with an attendant or use a card on the machine. While a beautiful place to paddle, I’d avoid getting in the water.

The water does have a sulfur smell and shows signs of green algae. There is no swimming here! There were people wading in when I visited, but I wouldn’t recommend it. kayaking, canoeing, and of course paddle boarding.We’ll specifically be covering Watson lake in this post! Watson Lake is four miles away from downtown Prescott and is a small man-made reservoir situated in the Granite Dells, a geological feature that consists of exposed bedrock and large boulders of granite that have eroded into unusual shapes. It’s just a two-hour drive from the Phoenix metro area, making it the perfect escape for paddleboarding! There are four lakes in the Prescott area: You’ll find a buzzing historic downtown with shops, breweries, restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities. Once the territorial capital, the city is rich with history. Prescott, Arizona is nestled amongst ponderosa pine trees and granite boulders at 5,200′ feet above sea level. Fees: $3 parking fee at park (there is a machine that takes card) No pass required on the water.

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