Altrusa Park Trail, also known as Mt. Solo Trail, runs 1.3 miles along the slough area behind homes in this Mt. Solo development. This hidden gem on the outskirts of town is a lovely nature trail with access to Altrusa Park, which features a playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter and tables.
Highlights: Dogs allowed · Picnic tables · Playground
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 0.25 mile loop circles Cloney Park playground and field, where you might catch some local youth soccer practices, or find some painted rocks hidden by our active local rock painting community. Cross 28th Avenue for access to Cloney Skate Park and the BMX track. There's fun for all ages in this little park network!
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.
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.
One of our longest fully paved trails at 1.3 miles, this nicely landscaped, well-lit path runs the entire distance of the slough between Oregon Way and Douglas Street. With access to Archie Anderson Park, this is a great path for a family stroll or those seeking a safer, greener, bike-friendly alternative to Industrial Way traffic.
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.
Waterside park with ample parking and picnic tables, plus a beach, playground, and amphitheater.
Highlights: Public restroom · Dogs allowed · Picnic tables