Coldwater Peak, Harry's Ridge & Pumice Plain

Trip

Day Hike - Harry's Ridge

Experience the best view of Mt. St. Helens, Spirit Lake and the surrounding area impacted by the 1980 eruption of the mountain, from atop Harry's Ridge, named after Harry Truman, who died in the eruption. If the weather is clear, views will be spectacular. If the Johnston Observatory has reopened by hike day, we will have time to visit it after the hike.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.2 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 970 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 4,752 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

Meet at 10:00 AM Sunday in front of the Johnston Observatory entrance.   If the Observatory has not yet reopened,  each car must display a Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass.  If it is open, we must show the Ranger inside the entrance one Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass for every four people in our group.  Then each participant must receive and wear a wrist band, prior to starting the hike.

The hike begins at the Johnston Observatory, where water bottles can be filled.  It is nearly entirely open to the weather, so we need to all be prepared for any weather that might occur, including sun, cold, rain and wind.  This hike is scheduled during a time period when the weather is usually good, but we need to be prepared for other possibilities.

If Johnston Observatory is open on hike day, we will have time to tour it after the hike, after first leaving our hiking gear in the cars.  On the drive home, we will have the option for a group dinner at the Fire Mountain Grill on their sheltered deck overlooking the Toutle River.  It is located where a logging camp existed before the 1980 eruption.

This hike is part of the August 7-8 Mt. St. Helens Car Camp, consisting of a Saturday day hike along Coldwater Lake, camping Saturday night at Seaquest State Park, and hiking Sunday to Harry's Ridge.  Two adjoining campsites have been reserved for August 7 in the State Park.  Prepaid campsite fees will be share equitably.  Signup for the car camp is by registering for the two related day hikes.  Anyone registering for one of the hikes must also register for the other one, and participate in the overnight encampment.  Compliance is monitored by requiring leader permission for both day hikes.  Full details of the car camp are located on the Tacoma Branch Events Calendar.   

Route/Place

Coldwater Peak, Harry's Ridge & Pumice Plain



  • Green Trails Mount St Helens NVM No. 332S

    Green Trails Spirit Lake No. 332

    Green Trails Mt St Helens No. 364
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
Trip Reports