From the Watching Creek Forest Service site, there used to be two bridges, one below the site and another farther downstream, at the bottom of a gully.   A loop route could be hiked by crossing the river and continuing along the Rim Trail on the east side and back by a footbridge south of the Rec site.   Both bridges were washed away in a spring melt and flood in the early 1980's.   Now the Rim Trail has fallen into disrepair, but we return once in awhile to enjoy it.   We can still ford the river twice to do the loop, but the more practical route today is to start at Tranquille Crossing and hike down the double track on the east side of the river for 3k to the confluence of Watching Creek and Tranquille River.   At this point a single track trail steeply drops to Watching Creek where a footbridge has also fallen into disrepair.    Hikers have to rock hop across the stream, which makes a spring hike more challenging.   A clear trail climbs to the bench above and the trail continues along the bench, following the rim of the canyon south.

The trail follows the edge of the steep volcanic walls of the canyon for about 2km before starting a downward path to the river and the point where the former bridge could be crossed. Hoodoos and colorful rock layers overlook the river below. On a recent scouting trip, it appears there is an opportunity to extend the trail along the rim downstream for a was, a project for the future. 

We hike this area at least once very year. As an out-and-back trail, it is an easy 8km hike. It is usually quiet, although there may be campers across the river at the Forest Service Site or goldpanners below in the creek. The steep trail down to the creek crossing restricts motorcycles and ATVs so you will likely not see anyone beyond the creek. Side trails to the top of Watching Hill and up Watching Creek offer some chances for exploration. Agate and green opal have been found upstream in Watching Creek (follow a single track on the south side) and gold nuggets have been found near the confluence even after one hundred years of panning. The cliffs of Opax Mountain loom overhead to the east. The river winds south with fall colors.  Where's my tent?