Lakes Trail #211 to Coldwater Trail #230

Location: Coldwater Lake Boat Launch, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Distance: ~9 miles round-trip (to Coldwater Trail junction); longer if continuing on #230
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (Lakes Trail), with optional ~2,600+ ft on Coldwater Trail if continuing
Highest Elevation: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate – Easy lakeshore hike with optional strenuous backcountry extension
Trail Type: Out-and-back; backcountry connector to Mount Margaret area
Open Season: Late spring through fall (snow-dependent; road access may be seasonal)
Family Friendly: Yes – especially the Lakes Trail portion, which is flat and scenic
Pets: Allowed on leash
Passes/Fees: $5/day or valid Northwest Forest Pass at trailhead

Coldwater Trail #230 begins at its junction with Lakes Trail #211 4.5 miles east of the Coldwater Boat Launch. It immediately crosses Coldwater Creek on a timber bridge. The trail then climbs a series of switchbacks out of Coldwater valley before its junction with South Coldwater Trail #230A at 2.6 miles. Heading east, the trail soon reaches Ridge Camp. A short side trail leads to the by-permit-only campsites. Continuing, you climb through a standing dead forest. Elk can often be seen and heard, especially during mating season in early fall. The trail ends after traversing the south face of Coldwater Peak, where it joins Boundary Trail #1 another 2.3 miles from South Coldwater Trail 230A junction.