I was amazed at how much there is to do At Coldwater Lake inside of Mount St Helens National Park!! Now that we have been, I really wish we had researched more about this place. Next summer I I fully intend to go back and hike the 12-mile hike at Coldwater Lake in Mount St Helens National Park, and kayak the lake as well! My kids can’t wait to come back and fish the lake and go swimming!! (I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Everyone knows about Mount St Helens National Park but I had no idea about Coldwater Lake on the way to Johnston Observatory! We wished we had brought the kayaks and fishing poles up. Truthfully we really could have spent the rest of the day here! Now pets are not allowed but they did have a pet area, we left Bentley in the car, thankfully it was cool enough to do so plus he got a good nap.
I loved that there were so many educational signs here. Michael has really taken an interest in nature and his curiosity was peaked after we visited the Johnston Observatory. Now I wish I had scoped out the 12 mile hike (you can see it -> here on All Trails and be sure to double check which parking passes are required see them all -> here) it looks amazing, I am really hoping to gather up a group of women to come out next year. There is a smaller path going around the lake by the picnic area that is perfect for kids and strollers.
A perfect beach area is at Coldwater Lake for kids and for launching your boat. My dad remembered he had kayaked there and forgot to tell me, he also the water even in the middle of the lake was amazing!!! Plus there is also a fish cleaning station for those who fish the lake which is mainly trout in the lake to fish. (Check out -> here to see all the current updates and rules for fishing)
The lake was restocked in the late 1980s and has reproduced independently since. I love that there no motor boats allowed the lake is so peaceful. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and little rafts are perfect to bring here.
As you can tell the beach does get crowded so be sure to get there early to claim a spot. From what we could see it looked like a great place to spend the day as a family. Plus with how hot last summer was this would be an amazing day spot to stay cool!
Look how clear the water the water is! Amazing to think this was all in the path of the eruption!
Have you been to Coldwater Lake before?? Or been to Mount St Helens? What was your favorite part of the national park?
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