A Window into Volcanic Renewal
Location: Coldwater Lake Picnic & Boating Area, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
Distance: Approx. 0.5 – 1.2 miles round-trip (depending on route)
Elevation Gain: 50 feet total
Highest Elevation: 3,900 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back and short loops (boardwalk/paved)
Difficulty: Very Easy – ideal for all ages and ability levels
Open Season: Year-round (weather and road conditions permitting)
Family-Friendly: Absolutely – stroller-friendly, safe for young kids
ADA Accessible: Yes – boardwalk and paved sections
Pets: Not allowed
Pass Required: $5 per vehicle or valid Recreation Pass
Trail Overview
This charming boardwalk trail runs along the shores of Coldwater Lake—the direct result of Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption, which dammed Coldwater Creek and carved out the lake in its path. Interpretive displays along the route vividly recount that transformation, guiding hikers through both geologic history and ecological resurgence.
Along the path, you might spot intriguing features like beaver-chewed trees, small trout splashing on the water's surface, and marshy wildlife activity to observe and enjoy.
A floating deck or footbridge offers serene lake views—especially magical on calm, sunny days when the surrounding hills reflect perfectly in the water.
Visitor Info & Amenities
Located right by the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area, the trailhead offers:
- ADA-accessible boardwalk
- Picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, and parking
- Boat launch and accommodations for non-motorized boating and light recreation near the lake
- No pets off-leash, no fishing or swimming allowed along the trail; all rules are in place to preserve this sensitive area
There’s no entry fee required specifically for the trail, though day-use fees may apply for the broader area (e.g., $5/vehicle or valid Recreation Pass)
Why You’ll Love It
- Educational & Immersive: Learn firsthand how Mount St. Helens shaped the landscape—and how life rebounded.
- Accessible to All: Easy, paved paths and gentle terrain mean nearly anyone can enjoy this trail.
- Short & Rewarding: A quick yet deeply satisfying hike—perfect for families, short stops, or combining with other nearby trails like the Lakes Trail.
Ideal for a quick picnic, family adventure, or a peaceful reflective stroll, the Birth of a Lake Trail tells a powerful story of destruction, transformation, and resilience. Want a shorter tagline or a version tailored for prints or brochure use? Just say the word!
Longitude: -122.266096
Directions
From Castle Rock, drive State Route 504 east 43 miles. Stay right where State Route 504 forks towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Continue for 1 mile, turn left at Coldwater Lake.
Boundary Trail #1 to Norway Pass (SR 504 Side)
- Location: Near Coldwater Lake, off SR 504, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
- Distance: 7 miles one-way (about 14 miles round trip).
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – steady uphill climb with some rocky sections.
- Elevation Gain: Around 2,500 feet to 4,200 feet at Norway Pass.
- Best Season: Late spring to fall (May to October), avoid winter and early spring due to snow.
Trail Highlights:
- Views: Great views of Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and the blast zone.
- Wildlife: Look for elk, deer, and bears.
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (out-and-back).
- Family-Friendly: Not ideal for young kids; better for experienced hikers.
Things to Know:
Shuttle: If doing a one-way hike, consider arranging a shuttle.
Trail Access: Start at Coldwater Ridge or Coldwater Lake.
Water: Bring plenty of water, there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Weather: Weather can change quickly; bring layers.
This popular paved accessible interpretive trail starts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory observation deck, ascending by way of paved switchbacks to the top of a ridge. This trail is a steep grade, and some individuals may need assistance. Interpretive signs at this site record the May 18, 1980, eruption and volcanic history of the area. Enjoy impressive views of Mount St. Helens, the blast zone, Mount Adams, and the Mount Margaret Backcountry. The trail continues eastward then descends to the junction with Boundary Trail #1. By staying on the paved path, you will return to the main parking lot.
Admission is always FREE!
Plan a 60–90-minute visit to the Forest Learning Center at Mount St. Helens.
The Forest Learning Center showcases remarkable volcano and forestry exhibits (updated in 2020!), a new playground, picnic tables, a gift shop, wildlife viewing and rest area facilities. It is located inside the blast zone on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, 19 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife following the eruption. Walk through the forest, hearing the sounds of the birds and animals on the mountain prior to May 18, 1980. Enter the “eruption chamber” to view an astounding video of what the forest looked like immediately after the eruption. Hear a first-hand report from a local newscaster who barely escaped. Breathtaking photographs and life-size models of loggers working in the blast zone bring the experience to life. The Forest Learning Center tells the story from nature’s perspective and gives a hands-on approach to learning in the Discovery Room where families can touch lava rocks, learn about the animals of the Pacific Northwest, and discover how trees grow.
Groups larger than 25 people are kindly asked to make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the Exhibit Reservation Message Number below. School field trip information is available on the website link.
The Forest Learning Center is a partnership of Weyerhaeuser, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Location: 33.5 miles from I-5, approximately a 40-minute drive east of Castle Rock, Washington.
Directions:
From Interstate 5 in Western Washington, take Exit 49 and continue east on Highway 504 to Milepost 33. The Forest Learning Center is located at 17000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle, WA. Please watch for wildlife on roadways.
Exhibits - Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm - Seasonal Closure starting November 1 to Spring 2026
Gift Shop - Open daily 10 am to 4 pm
Exhibit Reservation Message Number 360.414.3439
(Please leave a voicemail for groups larger than 25 people
calls will be returned within 1-2 business days during regular operating season)
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 33
Harmony Trail #224 – Hike Into the Heart of a Volcanic Legacy
Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Distance: 2 miles round-trip (1 mile one-way)
Elevation Change: 600–700 feet descent (and same back up)
Difficulty: Moderate (steep at the start)
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Open Season: Late spring through fall (snow-dependent)
Family-Friendly: Yes – for older children or those comfortable with a short, steep hike
Pets: Not allowed
Pass Required: $5 per vehicle or valid Recreation Pass
Trail Overview
Step into a living laboratory of renewal on Harmony Trail #224, a stunning descent through the blast zone of Mount St. Helens that leads to the shores of Spirit Lake—one of the most iconic and restricted areas in the monument.
Once home to the now-submerged Harmony Falls Lodge, the area was completely transformed by the 1980 eruption. Today, this steep but rewarding 1-mile trail (2 miles round-trip) offers the only legal public access to Spirit Lake’s shoreline. Along the way, you’ll pass through young alder stands and wildflowers thriving in the volcanic soil, with breathtaking views of the lake and Mount St. Helens rising above it.
The lake’s surface is still littered with floating logs—remnants of the massive debris flow triggered by the eruption. Standing at the water’s edge, you’ll experience the raw aftermath of a geologic event that reshaped the region.
About Harmony Trail
Named for a now-submerged waterfall (Harmony Falls), this steep, one-mile trail begins at Harmony Falls Viewpoint and ends on the shore of Spirit Lake. The semi-barren hillside you descend, and surrounding landscape was blanketed by old growth forests, pre-eruption. Huge trees were swept away or toppled by the lateral blast of the May 1980 eruption.
On May 18th, the north side of St. Helens collapsed, slamming into Spirit Lake. The resulting “tidal” wave surged 800 feet up the opposite shore, dragging toppled trees into the lake as the water returned. Those trees still float on the lake surface. The avalanche filled the base of the lake, raising the lake level 200 feet, and submerging Harmony Falls, and the site of rustic Harmony Falls Lodge.
Why Hike Harmony Trail
Family-Friendly: A great challenge for adventurous families with older kids; shorter in distance but steep.
Geological Immersion: Hike directly into the historic blast zone of Mount St. Helens.
Unique Access: Reach the only permitted spot where visitors can stand at Spirit Lake’s shoreline.
Photo-Worthy: Dramatic Lake and volcano views, wildflowers, and striking contrasts in the landscape.
Explore the Rebirth of a Volcanic Landscape
Location: Near Mount St. Helens, Washington
Distance: 2.4-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Family-Friendly: Yes
Open Season: Year-round (weather permitting)
Trail Type: Loop
Discover the raw beauty and resilience of nature on the Hummocks Trail, a unique hike through the dramatic aftermath of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. This 2.4-mile loop winds through an otherworldly landscape of volcanic debris, wetlands, ponds, and young forests that have emerged from devastation.
Named after the massive mounds of earth—called "hummocks"—that were blasted from the mountain’s north flank, this trail offers hikers a rare, up-close view of how ecosystems recover and evolve. Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the eruption and the area's gradual regrowth.
The relatively flat trail is great for families, casual hikers, and nature lovers. Expect stunning views of Mount St. Helens on clear days, and watch for wildlife like elk, frogs, and birds that now call the area home.
Whether you're here for a peaceful nature walk, birdwatching, or a striking glimpse into geological history, Hummocks Trail #224 is a must-do hike in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
June Lake Trail #216B – A Serene Family-Friendly Hike
Location: June Lake Trailhead off Forest Road 83 near Cougar, within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
Distance: ~2.86 miles round-trip (approximately 2.5–2.8 miles)
Trail Type: Out-and-back, with optional connection to the Loowit Trail
Elevation Gain: About 445–450 feet
Highest Elevation: Approximately 3,140 feet above sea level
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate—gently climbing forest trail, suitable for families with kids and snowshoers in winter
Open Season: Generally late spring to fall (June–November), with snowshoe access in winter
Family-Friendly: Yes—well-rated for families and small children
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash
Passes/Fees: No entry fee; however, a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass may be required for parking during some seasons.
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.
A Short Walk Through a Living Monument
Location: Meta Lake Interpretive Site, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA (access via Forest Road 99, northeast of Mount St. Helens near Randle, WA)
Distance: Approximately 0.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy – flat and paved; suitable for all ages and abilities
Elevation: Minimal elevation change
Highest Elevation: 3,625 feet
Family Friendly: Yes – excellent for children, seniors, strollers, and fully ADA accessible Open Season: Summer through early fall, typically late June to October, depending on snow and road access (Forest Road 99 must be open)
Trail Type: Out-and-back, paved interpretive trail with a lakeside viewpoint
Trail Description
Meta Lake Trail #210 is a short, paved, and accessible trail that offers a close look at ecological survival and recovery from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Shielded by deep snow during the blast, the surrounding forest remained remarkably intact. Today, visitors can witness the regrowth of the area and the delicate ecosystem that flourishes here.
The trail leads to a viewpoint over Meta Lake, a quiet alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and young trees. Interpretive signs along the way share the story of the lake’s survival and rebirth, making it a great educational experience for all ages. It's an ideal stop for travelers exploring Forest Road 99 or visiting Windy Ridge.
Getting There
From Randle, drive Highway 131 south for two miles. Here, it becomes Forest Road 25, which you will drive for 17.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 99. Drive on FR 99 for 9.5 miles to the well-signed Meta Lake Interpretive Site.
If you're coming from Woodland, you'll drive Highway 503 east for 29 miles to the town of Cougar. Continue east for 18.5 miles. (During this portion, 503 becomes FR 90). Turn left onto FR 25, and drive it 25 miles north to FR 99. Proceed down 99 for 9.5 miles to the well-signed Meta Lake trail.
Newly Renovated the Mt St Helens Visitor Center is a world-class facility located on the western shore of Silver Lake. With its high ceilings and massive windows, the outdoors becomes a part of the architecture. Your senses will come alive as you enjoy the interactive exhibits, a step-in model of the volcano and theater programs that are offered twice an hour. Outside, a mile-long trail takes you into marshy plains surrounding Silver Lake where you can see waterfowl and a picture-perfect view of the mountain.
Make sure to take in one of the comprehensive presentations on the historical and cultural significance of the area. View exhibits showing the chronology of events leading up to the eruption and see the working seismograph. On your trip to Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake Visitor Center is the closest to I-5.
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center opened its doors to the public a few years after the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens. Functioning as a gateway to the mountain, over 30 miles away, our goal is to educate visitors on the historical significance of the landscape before and during the eruption. We also focus on the resulting impact on nearby ecosystems. Our vantage point offers a view of the Western slope of the mountain, visible from both our center and walking trail.
This unique building features expansive windows providing a glimpse of towering second-growth forest all around. A high archway and elaborately carved wooden columns contribute to the feeling of magnificence. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption.
Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6-mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.
Hours of Operation
Summer: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Winter: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ages 6 and younger: Free
Ages 7 to 17: $2.50
Ages 18 and older: $5
Family: $15 (two adults plus accompanying children)
Tour groups: $200 per bus
Castle Rock, WA 98611
Mile Marker 5