This is a scenic, but difficult-riding area on the north side of Mt. St. Helens.
This is a scenic, but difficult-riding area on the north side of Mt. St. Helens.
How to Find It
2 options to start the ride:
- From 230A (traditional start), park at the South Coldwater Trailhead, which is 1 mile past South Coldwater Lake. Trail 230A leaves directly from the trailhead.
- From the newly opened Lakes Trail 211, park at South Coldwater Lake. The trail starts by the boat launch. This option is not the ride described on this page, but is an option which might be detailed on a new page.
From the North: I-5 South from Seattle. Take exit 63 to WA 505. Follow WA 505 for 16 miles. Turn Left onto WA 504 and follow it East to the desired trailhead mentioned above.
From the South: I-5 North from Portland. Take exit 49 to WA 504. Follow WA 504 East to the desired trailhead mentioned above.
Typical Conditions
South Coldwater Trail #230A climbs the ridge above Coldwater Lake and is generally rideable, some sandy spots towards the top. Coldwater Trail #230 is rough, sandy and loose. Parts of this trail were overgrown with brush that we had to push through. Boundary Trail 1 is rough, sandy and loose.
Be prepared to traverse many narrow, loose side hill trails, some with exposure.
Local Points of Interest
Johnston Ridge Observatory. Just 6 miles past the trailhead.
The following two places are along the way to the trailhead.
- Science and Learning Center.
- Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center. Helicopter tours, restaurant, rest area, gift shop, views.
Turn by Turn
Leave the South Coldwater Trailhead and ride approximately 3.1 miles on South Coldwater Trail 230A, gaining about 1600 feet of elevation.
Turn right onto South Coldwater Trail 230 and ride approximately 2.1 miles, gaining another 1000 feet of elevation.
Turn left onto Boundary Trail 1 and ride approximately 3 miles to Mt. Margaret, gaining approximately 800 feet of elevation.
Elevation gains will seem like more, given the numerous up/downs, steepness and looseness of the trails. Be prepared for a good amount of bike pushing.
An overview map can be found here (note that bikes ARE allowed on Coldwater trail 230A even though it is inside the volcano monument): GPNF Mt. St. Helens Trail Map
These trails can also be found on Green Trails Map 332, Spirit Lake, WA
