Coldwater Peak hike

On Saturday, Anja and I hiked 14 miles up to Coldwater Peak, on the north side of Mt. St. Helen's. We started at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, from which we could see the part of the mountain that had blown off in the eruption. We then hiked along a ridge and across the plain that had been covered by ash and magma, seeing Spirit Lake and St. Helen's Lake, still littered with dead tree trunks. The day started off windy and cold and cloudy, but cleared up so that we could catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains (Rainier, Adams, Hood). The trail went through a natural stone arch, which was really cool, and we saw a herd of elk (bugling!) and a solitary, well-fed mountain goat (who seemed equally interested in us!). It was a spectacular adventure day.

I was surprised by the number of wildflowers still in bloom - foxglove, lupine, paintbrush - so pretty.

That's Coldwater Peak up there - the last 3/4 of a mile was straight up.

 

At our lunch picnic spot, with St. Helen's Lake, below us, and Rainier in the distance.

A mile-long detour up to Harry's Ridge, overlooking Spirit Lake.

Looking back at our trail, which ran along that ridge and up to the peak.

Our view from the observatory, after coming down and finishing the hike.