Trail #230 Coldwater

Area Status: Open

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:	06/24/2024: The trail is open and clear of any obstacles. There maybe some overgrowth areas, but otherwise the trail is clear. Northwise has several small stream crossings requiring caution, but the south side the trail is in fairly good condition.
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 must be on a 6 foot leash on trail at all times. Bicycles, and motorized use are prohibited. (Bikes OK on 230A to 230, east on 230 to #1, north and east on #1 to Norway Pass) 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.