Coldwater Lake

Trip

Day Hike - Coldwater Lake

Enjoy hiking a trail on the shore of beautiful Coldwater Lake which was created by the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The trip provides continuous lake views and should also offer some early fall color. The lunch stop will be at a sandy beach on the north end of the lake with the option of swimming if the weather is good.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 550 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,650 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

Meet at 9:30 AM at the boat launch parking lot for Coldwater Lake, reached by taking I-5 southbound, taking Exit 63 eastbound on SR 505 through Toledo, turning left onto SR 504 at the T junction and left again at the entrance to Coldwater Lake which is a few miles before reaching the Johnston Observatory.  A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. A restroom is available at the trailhead.

Directions, carpool suggestions and other trip details will be sent to participants after registration closes on September 12th.  

Route/Place

Coldwater Lake



  • Green Trails Mount St Helens NVM No. 332S

    Trails Illustrated Mt Saint. Helens/Mount Adams

    Green Trails Spirit Lake No. 332
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
Trip Reports