Coldwater Peak, Harry's Ridge
Location: Mt. St. Helens
13 1/2 miles total, 2,500' gained
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
This is an out and back hike to Coldwater Peak and Harry’s Ridge in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Start from the large parking lot at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. You’re looking straight across the blast zone and into Mt. St. Helens’ crater at this point, and the crowded first couple miles of the trail indicate the popularity of this tourist destination. But don’t worry, it gets better. Harry’s Ridge puts you on an even better perch to look into the crater, along with views in all directions, notably towards the Mt. Margaret backcountry to the north.
Coldwater Peak is a few miles past Harry’s Ridge, with even more views, less bodies, as well as a higher mountain feel. The trail passes through a unique natural arch along the way. A series of switchbacks takes you to the summit of Coldwater Peak, 5,700’, with incredible sights all around: the local volcanoes, nearby lakes, and particularly the stark openness from the eruption – and the subsequent rejuvenation of the environment.
To venture into the Mt. Margaret backcountry, consider taking a 6 mile or so side trip east from the base of Coldwater Peak to Mt. Margaret. Somewhat similar views, but more time to process this dramatic area. See trail map for more details.
Rundown on the options for exploring this area:
Round trip to just Harry’s Ridge: about 8 miles.
Round trip to Coldwater Peak plus Harry’s Ridge: about 13 ½ miles.
Round trip to Coldwater Peak plus Harry’s Ridge plus Mt. Margaret: about 19 1/2 miles.
Keep in mind that there may be no water on these trails and camping is by advance permit only. You don’t need a parking pass, but will either need to have your Northwest Forest Pass on you or purchase the day pass bracelet from the visitor center.
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
This is an out and back hike to Coldwater Peak and Harry’s Ridge in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Start from the large parking lot at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. You’re looking straight across the blast zone and into Mt. St. Helens’ crater at this point, and the crowded first couple miles of the trail indicate the popularity of this tourist destination. But don’t worry, it gets better. Harry’s Ridge puts you on an even better perch to look into the crater, along with views in all directions, notably towards the Mt. Margaret backcountry to the north.
Coldwater Peak is a few miles past Harry’s Ridge, with even more views, less bodies, as well as a higher mountain feel. The trail passes through a unique natural arch along the way. A series of switchbacks takes you to the summit of Coldwater Peak, 5,700’, with incredible sights all around: the local volcanoes, nearby lakes, and particularly the stark openness from the eruption – and the subsequent rejuvenation of the environment.
To venture into the Mt. Margaret backcountry, consider taking a 6 mile or so side trip east from the base of Coldwater Peak to Mt. Margaret. Somewhat similar views, but more time to process this dramatic area. See trail map for more details.
Rundown on the options for exploring this area:
Round trip to just Harry’s Ridge: about 8 miles.
Round trip to Coldwater Peak plus Harry’s Ridge: about 13 ½ miles.
Round trip to Coldwater Peak plus Harry’s Ridge plus Mt. Margaret: about 19 1/2 miles.
Keep in mind that there may be no water on these trails and camping is by advance permit only. You don’t need a parking pass, but will either need to have your Northwest Forest Pass on you or purchase the day pass bracelet from the visitor center.
Mt. St. Helens from Harry's Ridge
Mt. Margaret backcountry from Harry's Ridge
Mt. Margaret backcountry from Boundary Trail
Mt. St. Helens from Coldwater Peak
Mt. Adams, St. Helens Lake from Coldwater Peak
View from below The Dome on the Boundary Trail
View from Mt. Margaret