Coldwater Peak

 Drove to Johnston Ridge at Mt St Helens National Monument to hike to Coldwater Peak, an 11.7 mile round trip hike with 2,400 ft of overall elevation gain. It was slightly hazy today. Less than 10 cars in the parking area when I arrived and the lot was mostly empty when I returned in the afternoon. Very few people here today. View of Coldwater Peak (middle background) and the hole in the rock the trail goes through (on the far ridge to the right) as seen from the parking area.

Hiked along  Boundary Trail #1, the first 2.5 miles follows Johnston Ridge towards Harry's Ridge. For the majority of this section, there are wonderful views of Mt St Helens. The trail has been rerouted away from the west side of Devil's Elbow as that part of that section of the trail has eroded away.

This chipmunk kept dashing to and fro across the moss.

While this ground squirrel was busy munching on wildflowers.

There are still some wildflowers in bloom along the trail, the paintbrush are the most prolific besides the pearly everlasting and the dandelions .

After passing the turn off to Harry's Ridge (at 3 miles), the Boundary Trail starts to climb up a ridge to St Helens Lake, on the way there are great views of Spirit Lake and Mt Adams.

Lots of lovely fall color here.

Wide angle photo from further up this ridge. Mt Adams, Spirit Lake, Mt St Helens and Harry's Ridge below.

From the top of the ridge is a nice view of St Helens Lake, The Dome and Mount Margaret along the ridge line, Mt Rainier peaking over the ridge.

The trail then switches back and goes through this hole in the rock.

Mt Adams viewed through the hole in the rock.

The Boundary Trail continues and meets with the connector trail to the Coldwater Lake Trail, continue along the Boundary Trail to the north for 1/2 mile. Lots of fall color on the side of Coldwater Peak.

View of St Helens Lake with Mt Adams in the background. The spur trail to Coldwater Peak is 3/4 mile of switchbacks.

Pano to the east from the south end of Coldwater Peak: St Helens and Spirit Lakes below, Mt Adams and Mt St Helens in the distance. Only saw the hazy base of Mt Hood today.

View of Mt Rainier to the north from the north end of Coldwater Peak.

zoom of Mt Rainier

I love this trail, because it is all in the open with endless views! Enjoying the views and fall colors hiking down the switchbacks on Coldwater Peak.

Returning to the hole in the rock and the view to the west.

View of Spirit Lake, in the afternoon there was a herd of elk resting down near the shore.

View of Mt St Helens on the way back to the parking area. Lovely day!

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today: