Hiking Coldwater Lake, Mount St Helens, Washington

Coldwater Lake Mount St Helens
Coldwater Lake Mount St Helens
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  • Distance: 9 miles, out and back

  • Elevation Gain: 775 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Solitude: Crowded on weekends

  • Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash

  • Bathrooms: Yes, toilet at trailhead

  • Fee: Yes, NW Forest Pass

  • Other: This lake is great for swimming in the summertime!

A few weeks ago a few friends and I drove up into Washington for a nice lake hike. Coldwater Lake is a great hike (on the westerns shore) because of the little elevation gains and beautiful views. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the lake was the perfect temperature to swim in! After the first half mile we rarely saw anyone else on the trail. We only hiked 7 miles round trip and you can really make this hike as long or short as you want depending on where you stop on the edge of the lake.

JessColdwater LakeWashington, washington, PNW, pnwComment