Trail #230 Coldwater

Area Status: Closed

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	05/16/2023: Area is closed and inaccessible due to a road closure at MP 43 on State Route 504 due to an active landslide around MP 50.
Fees:	No fee or pass required. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Permit Info:	A Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit is required for camping in Mount Margaret Backcountry. Permits are available by advance reservation only.
Usage:	Light-Medium
Best Season:	Summer-Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	No livestock or campfires. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only with Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit. Dogs allowed on leash only, and must stay on the trail. See Mount St. Helens Map for trails where mountain bikes are allowed in Closure Area #1. Bikes must stay on the trail at all times to protect the fragile landscape.
Closest Towns:	Toutle, WA, Castle Rock, WA
Restroom:	Toilet at Coldwater Lake Day Use
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers

General Information

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 Picnic and Boating Site. Take Lakes Trail #211 from boat launch area east for 4.5 miles to it's junction with Coldwater Trail #230.

Access this trail via: Lakes Trail #211, South Coldwater Trail #230A, or Boundary Trail #1.