Trails on the west side of Mount St. Helens are few but what is lacking in number is made up with unparalleled views of this volcanic landscape. As construction is completed on additional trails from now until 1996, more opportunities will be available for hiking. To enjoy your hiking experience and ensure your safety: wear sturdy shoes, bring sun screen, and carry one quart or more of water per person. Stay on trails at all times; violators will be fined $100.00 minimum. Pets are prohibited on all west side trails.
West Side Trails
Winds of Change Interpretive Trail #232
Difficulty Level: Easy
Discover how the stone wind of the 1980 eruption slammed into Coldwater Ridge and how with the gentle winds of time, plants and animals return. This 0.25-mile trail is accessible to all and provides sweeping views of the Toutle River Valley. The trail begins just west of the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center.
Birth of a Lake Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Take a walk along the newly-formed shoreline of Coldwater Lake. This barrier-free 0.25-mile trail features a boardwalk that journeys out onto the lake and ends by hugging a huge hummock. Discover how this lake came to be and how it nurtures life big and small. Guided walks will be given on this trail in the summer. The schedule will be posted at the Coldwater Visitor Center.
Elk Bench Trial #211
Distance: 3.25 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: SR 504 to the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center
This 0.75 mile trail descends quickly from the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center to the Lakes Trail #211. The hike is easy going down, but be prepared for a strenuous hike back up to the trailhead. Discover spectacular views of the entire Coldwater Lake, the crater and lava dome as you walk. A portable toilet is located at the bottom of the trail. Round trip hiking time is approximately 1 1/2 hour.
Lakes Trail #211 and Coldwater Trail #230
Distance: 3.25 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access:: SR 504 to the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center, via the Elk Bench Trail #211 D
This trail meanders along the western edge of Coldwater Lake to its upper end, eventually joining existing trails to offer a cross-Monument hiking opportunity. The Coldwater Trail links the east and the west sides of the Monument and joins the Boundary Trail #1 just south of St. Helens Lake. You can then hike the Truman Trail #207 to Windy Ridge or the Boundary Trail #1 into the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Currently hikes may travel 1/2-mile each way from the junction with the Elk Bench Trail #211 D. The southern section d the trail is closed due to construction at the Coldwater Lake boat and barrier-free fishing trail. Fishing access trails that take anglers to the water's edge will be open to permit holders only.
Loowit Trail #216.2
Distance: 3.0 miles
Difficulty Level: More difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: Begins at Sheep Canyon Trail #240; Ends at Butte Camp Trail #238A
This trail receives minimal maintenance and traverses the western slope of the mountain, connecting Sheep Canyon Trail #240 to Butte Camp Trail #238A. it gains little elevation on the route, descending and ascending steeply only out of the glaciated valleys.
Sheep Canyon Trail #240
Distance: 2.8 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Open to: Hiking
Access: Road 8123
Connect: Toutle Trail #238 and Loowit Trail #216
Located southeast of Mount St. Helens, this trail goes through a regenerating clear-cut for a short distance before heading into the forest. It then travels along the upper slope of a mudflow area in the Sheep Canyon drainage. After junctioning with Toutle Trail #238, the trail crosses a small drainage and heads upslope through the forest along the edge of the mudflow. It then leaves the edge and travels through the forest over old lava flows, and ends at the junction of the Loowit Trail. Features: Effects of a mudflow down Sheep Canyon, view of Mount St. Helens, diverse vegetation communities, Sheep Canyon waterfall, and a lava flow area.
from Away.com
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