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.
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.