Stewardship - Coldwater Lake

Trip

Stewardship - Coldwater Lake

Three days in the Mt St Helens Volcanic National Monument around Coldwater Lake volunteering to help control Scotch broom and other invasive vegetation, hiking and studying this amazing landscape. Join us for one day or all three.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 550 ft

Olympia Area Meeting at 8:00 a.m. and Car Pool:   We will meet at the Olympic National Forest Hq at 1835 Black Lake Blvd SW  Olympia to arrange carpool and leave a few cars. 

Chehalis Area Meeting at 9:15 a.m. and Car Pool:  As an alternative carpool location, we can meet at Curtis Tree Farm located 3 miles east on Highway 12 from I-5 Exit 68, south of Chehalis. The address is 772 Highway 12 with driveway located on the south side of the highway. Vehicles can be left here as well.

We will be working with the Forest Service to assist in the control of scotch broom and other invasive vegetation around Coldwater Lake in the Mt. St. Helens National Monument. We will be permitted to use the Mt. St. Helens Institute (MSHI) overnight housing facilities at Coldwater Lake including a bunkhouse and yurt on Friday and Saturday nights. Alcoholic beverages and/or recreational drugs legal or illegal are not permitted in the facility area.

This is an absolutely stunning and unique opportunity for Mountaineers wanting to perform volunteer work and to help protect Mt. St. Helens National Monument at spectacular Coldwater Lake on the shoulder of Mt. St. Helens. Volunteer housing at the Science and Learning Center includes a bunkhouse with men’s and women’s bunkrooms and a yurt. The facilities include a million-dollar view of Mt. St. Helens (weather permitting) and amenities including water, refrigerator, restroom and shower, beds, table, chairs, kitchen and living room. Beds are provided in all spaces, and everyone may use the kitchen and bathroom inside the bunkhouse. Basic cookware, dishes, and cutlery are provided. Volunteers should bring food, bedding, towel and all personal items needed during the stay.

Additional rules for using the facilities at the Science and Learning Center:

Vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 pm – 7:00 am. All trash and recycling must be packed out by the group using the volunteer housing. Groups using the bunkhouse must sweep the floors, wipe own countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, and leave the facility in the same or better condition as when they arrived. Pets are not allowed inside the Institute housing, or at the Science and Learning Center. The Science and Learning Center is a federal facility, and as such, the use of alcohol, cannabis (even if allowed by state laws), and illegal drugs are not allowed on site.  Additionally, firearms are not allowed inside federal buildings and are not allowed on the grounds of the Science and Learning Center or in and around volunteer housing.

 

Badges

participants will earn:

leaders will earn:

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 Olympia Branch of the Mountaineers will provide tools but participants will need sturdy boots, gloves, the 10 essentials,  sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping essentials, personal hygiene and bring their own food and drinks for their stay.

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