Coldwater Lake

Easy (to lake access)

2.6 miles round trip

100 feet elevation gain

Open March through November


Moderate (to bridge)

9.4 miles round trip

200 feet elevation gain


Easy (Hummocks Trail)

2.4-mile loop

250 feet elevation gain

Most of Mt. St. Helens’ summit slumped to the north and slid down the Toutle River valley during the mountain’s 1980 eruption. The slide dammed 4-mile-long Coldwater Lake and left an eerie collection of 200-foot-tall hummocks strewn across the valley floor. You can view the results of this volcanic mayhem by hiking along the new lake’s shore to a dramatic bridge over a gorge. Nearby, an easy loop trail tours the weirdly scenic Hummocks.

Drive Interstate...Other Options If you can arrange a shuttle, consider tackling …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington.