Biking - South Coldwater

Test Your Skill at Any Level

The Toutle River Valley – accessed by driving east from Castle Rock on State Route 504 – offers a number of viewpoints and visitors centers for people eager to experience the results of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. However, there are few opportunities on St. Helens’ north side for mountain bikers. The exception is South Coldwater Trail 230A.

This raw and seldom-used trail takes riders right into the heart of blast zone. The first part of the climb is tough but doable. You’ll climb the ridge above Coldwater Lake and pass logging equipment that was destroyed in the 1980 blast. Once you make the turn on the 230 toward St. Helens Lake, the trail becomes loose, rocky, and overgrown in spots. The drops are big, and so is the penalty for error. The trek to St. Helens Lake is approximately 6 miles from the South Coldwater trailhead, although it seems longer.

At St. Helens Lake, Trail 230 intersects with the Boundary Trail. Experienced riders can extend the ride to the Dome and Mount Margaret before turning around. Expect significant climbing and technical challenges. Total for the extended trip is approximately 16 miles.

Views of Coldwater Lake, St. Helens Lake, Mount St. Helens, and the entire Mount Margaret backcountry are spectacular, and the downhill back to the trailhead is very fast. The blast zone is fully exposed, so pack plenty of fluid.

Take Exit 49 at Castle Rock east from Interstate 5. Follow SR 504 approximately 45 miles to the South Coldwater Trailhead. Trail 230A leaves directly from the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

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