Coldwater Peak
Elevation
Ascent:
2,658'
810 m
Descent: -2,681' -817 m
High: 5,689' 1,734 m
Low: 4,023' 1,226 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 8% (5°)
Max Grade: 42% (23°)
Weather
Popular runs nearby
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Ape Cave
2.5 mi 4.1 km • Point to Point • 369 ft Ascent 112.39 m Ascent
Mount St. Helens Winter Route: Worm Flows
10.5 mi 17.0 km • Loop • 5,600 ft Ascent 1706.76 m Ascent
June Lake Loop
4.6 mi 7.4 km • Loop • 1,024 ft Ascent 312.01 m Ascent
Lava Canyon Loop
1.2 mi 1.9 km • Out and Back • 257 ft Ascent 78.27 m Ascent
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“Enjoy spectacular views of Saint Helens and its blast area on your way to the summit of Coldwater Peak with 360 views.”
— Karl W
Features
Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildlife
Overview
Need to Know
There is zero shade along this entire route and no permanent water, be sure to bring sunscreen and extra water.
Description
From the parking area follow the paved path to the Observatory to check in, get your wrist bands, some history, an amazing view of Helens, and - importantly - use the restroom as there is no privacy along the trail. Take the paved Eruption Trail with the crowds to the east to pick up Boundary Trail #1. Continue east on this wide gravel/packed dirt trail. Although you'll be distracted by Saint Helens towering over you to the south, be sure to keep an eye out for mountain goats on the southern slope of the ridge and elk far below on the pumice.
The trail has been recently rerouted to bypass Devils Thumb (Devils Point?) due to erosion on the west side, but you can take the east side trail to the point if you want. Otherwise just continue on Boundary Trail #1 past Truman Trail #207 and slightly northeast to an intersection with Harry's Ridge. Harry's Ridge is a short dead-end trail up the ridge that is worth taking partway for an excellent view of Mount Adams over Spirit Lake at a fine snack spot. You could do the whole thing but you'll get similar views during the next ascent. However; if you're looking for an easier shorter trail Harry's Ridge as an out-and-back to Johnson Ridge Observatory is a fine option, but you'll miss Rainier.
Climb up the ridge to the north - still on Boundary Trail #1 - and leave the crowds behind. From the top of this ridge you'll of course have spectacular views, but you'll also see one of the cooler parts of this run coming up: a rock archway in the ridge that the trail passes through. It frames Mount Adams to the east which makes for some nice photo opts (although with difficult lighting). This is the only section of this run that has any exposure, and it's limited.
Continue along Boundary Trail #1 past Coldwater Trail and finally to the beginning of Coldwater Peak Trail which is well marked with a wooden sign. The trail to the summit consists of simple singletrack switchbacks that are easy to follow and keep the whole ascent a class 1/easy class 2 at most. You'll also have continuous great views as you climb.
There is seismic equipment at the summit used to monitor Helens, antennas, and solar panels. There is also plenty of space for groups to space out, find great photo angles, and rest. The south, west, and north edges are very steep (hence the mesa-appearance from the parking lot) so be mindful of that. To your north you should be able to see Mount Rainier; to the northeast you can see the Goat Rocks over Whittier Ridge; to the east you can see Lake Saint Helens below you, Spirit Lake, and Mount Adams; to the south and a little east Mount Hood will be popping over; and of course Mount Saint Helens dominates to the south.
After you've sufficiently enjoyed the exceptional views retrace your steps back to the parking area (but now you can skip the Eruption Trail and go straight to your car if you don't want to visit the observatory/restrooms again).
Flora & Fauna
History & Background
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