Site: Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area
Coldwater Lake Recreation Area is located at Mile Marker (MP) 45 on State Route 504 east of Castle Rock in the heart of the blast zone near the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Experience the effect the May 18, 1980 eruption had on the Coldwater Valley, including creating a brand new lake.
The 0.6 miles accessible Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail #246, located at picnic area, allows visitors to enjoy close up views of Coldwater Lake. This short, accessible boardwalk trail explores the creation of Coldwater Lake. Interpretive displays explain how the 1980 debris avalanche dammed Coldwater Creek, creating Coldwater Lake. Chewed trees, the sign of beavers at work, can often be seen around the trail. Ripples, caused by trout rising to feed on insects, are also a common sight.
Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and canoeing are popular activities in the summer months. Combustion engines are prohibited on the lake, but anglers reach trophy trout by electric motors, rowing, or kicking. See the Restrictions section.
Video: Accessible Adventures: Mt. St. Helens West Side Attraction
Mount Margaret Backcountry may be accessed via the Lakes Trail #211. *A permit is required for overnight camping in Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Please note: Upper State Route 504/Spirit Lake Memorial Highway is closed between mileposts (MP) 45.2 and 51 until further notice due to the May 2023 landslide.
General Information
Days Use only. Sunrise to Sunset open.
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes. Get a Recreation Pass.
- Day use only. Open sunrise to sunset.
- Overnight camping not permitted.
- Campfires not permitted.
- Portable propane barbeque or fire pit permitted.
- Pets must be on 6 ft leash max or shorter at all times.
- Gasoline motors on boats are prohibited. Must be removed from the boat to launch.
- Selective Gear Rules apply. See Washington State Fish and Wildlife Sports Fishing Rules Booklet.
- Gear is limited to artificial flies with barbless single hooks or lures with barbless single hooks and bait is prohibited. Up to 3 hooks may be used. Only knotless nets may be used to land fish.
- Inlet and outlet streams closed to fishing
- Trout min size 18 inches. Daily limit 1.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Day use fee payment options: Cash, Check, Automated Fee Machine, or a valid Recreation Pass.
Pets must be on 6ft max leash at all times.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District
Contact Phone: (360) 449-7800
Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.290513
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.
Parking
2 large parking lots with multi-use vehicle parking available. No hookups. Please do not block road access for emergency vehicles. No overnight parking/camping.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
7/11/2025: Restrooms are open on the boat launch side. Restrooms on the picnic side are still closed due to vandalism. Repairs will be underway soon.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
7/11/2025 Water available on boat launch side. Water on picnic side still closed until restrooms are repaired.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Many picnic tables are available on the picnic side of Coldwater Lake.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Horse or Pack animals not allowed in this closure zone of Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. See monument map for details. Mount St Helens NVM Map
For information on Horse camping and trails visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest:
Horse Camping and Trails Information
For more information on nearby Washington State Park Lewis and Clark State Park:
https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lewis-clark-state-park
