Coldwater Lake, Wa

Trip Overview

Beautiful lake created from the 1980 eruption of Mt. Saint Helens. 5 miles across with a little island sticking up in the lake about 1/3 of the way. Popular with kayakers although my husband and I had it to ourselves the day we went. Get there at least by 11 am as it can become quite windy there late in the afternoon. We got there about 2 and it was glass until we turned around to go back and it was a bit choppy. The scenery was very interesting with the last vestiges of the fallen trees from the blast of the volcano still there. Most of the area looks like the blast never happened, but it is very evident here. There was a huge tree trunk sticking out of the water about 12 feet with a bald eagle atop looking for fish. We paddled straight across the entire 5 miles and back. As you traverse from the launching area, Mt. Saint Helens is on your right. The mountain is only 22 miles away as the crow flies and looks awesome. You might even hear a little pop and see a puff of smoke emanating from it. All in all, it's very worth the 40 minute drive from Castle Rock up state route 504 or the Spirit Highway. I paddled my Eddyline Rio while the hubby paddled in a Innova Swing inflatable. Both made the crossing easy. Great area to do some hiking although camping was prohibited. All in all, a great place for a paddle. Will return.