Karl went hiking February 16, 2015 17.5 miles 4,250 feet gained

Saint Helens Lake Loop

6

Another beautiful day in the blast zone! Albeit extremely windy. Started at the Hummocks TH, where SR-504 is (needlessly) gated, and followed the Boundary Trail up to JRO and on towards Harry's Ridge. The trail out around Devil's Elbow is horribly washed out, so we detoured across that ridge using ready-made elk trails instead, and cut a mile or so off the day that way. Just didn't make sense to risk life and limb (given 50+ mph winds) dancing through scree on that hillside! Continued on up to the rock arch, which presented the only semi-hazardous navigation all day. Just one patch of really hard snow at a sharp angle with an uncool run-out. I spiked-up my trail runners, though my partner made it just fine with vibram soles. Three weeks ago, the lake was over 95% frozen, but it was entirely without ice this day. Due to the high winds, we just took a few snapshots, and hustled on along to find a sheltered spot for second lunch. (First lunch was down in the Spillover.) Decided to take the official Coldwater trail along the north side of South Coldwater ridge. It too was 100% snow-free. Just amazing, given the date! Really fun hiking this favorite loop backwards, with a new trail buddy!

Trail Talk

6 people have hearted this trip.

Elsie · February 18, 2015

I must have just missed you on the Coldwater Lake trail by a couple hours - jealous of your views! Why didn't I think of that loop... :)

Karl · February 18, 2015

Oh that would've been fun to run into each other out there! We didn't see any other humans all day, until we were just pulling out of the Coldwater Lake parking lot (/w heated restrooms!), just at dusk. Another couple was walking in as we drove out -- that wasn't you, was it? (We waved, but I really didn't look too closely.) It was definitely a gorgeous day, if not for the wind. I think we might've climbed to the top of Coldwater Peak, but the threat of being blown away -- literally -- took some of the charm out of that idea. :-)

Elsie · February 19, 2015

Not I - I was in a big group leaving the Hummocks lot around 4pm. And yes, very windy! Definitely had to brace myself a few times.

Karl · February 19, 2015

Okay, that answers something else I'd wondered about. We thought we saw 3 or 4 cars at that TH from way up the ridge.

Jack · February 23, 2015

awesome.