Backpack - South Coldwater Ridge

Trip will start at the South Coldwater trailhead. 3 hours approx. drive time from Seattle to South Coldwater trailhead:   https://goo.gl/maps/nR5RXYVnv7Z3VsAJ9 

If everyone is interested and public health/COVID-19 guidelines allow, we might arrange a car shuttle with the Johnston Ridge Observatory  as our exit point (24000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, WA 98649).

Proposed Itinerary

• Friday, October 22:  hike 3.5 miles to Ridge Camp from South Coldwater trailhead; this campsite could be dry so bring extra water for the night. Elevation gain of 1800 feet approx.
• Saturday, October 24: hike to Dome Camp. About 4.5 miles from Ridge Camp with approx. 2400 feet of elevation gain. Time to explore the surroundings after we set up camp. 
• Sunday, October 25: hike out to the South Coldwater trailhead. About 8 miles back to the trailhead, mostly downhill. Alternately, if we set up a car shuttle we can hike about the same distance (8 miles) to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and see some different stretches of trail, but we'll gain about 1800 feet.

Noteworthy

• This trip may be canceled due to weather conditions, road closures, or COVID-19 public health guidelines.  However, some snow on the ground or snow/precipitation in the forecast won't necessarily cancel this trip.  
• Cold weather trip so ultra lightweight summer backpacking gear probably will not be appropriate. Campsites are at 4100 feet and 5300 feet.
• Bear canister REQUIRED BY LAND MANAGER - hanging your food won't be an option  (no trees!)
• This trip requires buying a special permit, which we have already obtained. Participants are expected to contribute their share of the permit cost before the trip starts.
• The Forest Service limits how many people can camp at the designated sites in the Mt. Margaret backcountry.  We can't increase the number of people on this trip because of these capacity limits.
• Pets are not allowed in this zone.