Mt. Margaret Backcountry in full bloom

[mrblisterdundee]

I stopped by Mount St. Helens Saturday to see what the conditions were on the Boundary Trail and in the Mount Margaret Backcountry. I'm happy to report it's fully accessible and in full bloom.
I started at South Coldwater Lake and hiked northeast up Coldwater Ridge, passing by some trail work crews from the Washington Trails Association clearing out underbrush. After passing by the crews and their temporary home at Ridge Camp, I turned east onto South Coldwater Trail 230A and connected to the Boundary Trail. Just before connecting to the Boundary Trail, you hike along the backside of Coldwater Peak, which towers above like a pyramid.

There's a little bit of snow at the junction of the South Coldwater and Boundary trails, but not much on the trails themselves.

I turned north on the Boundary Trail and continued another 1/2 mile or so before reaching the cutoff to the 3/4 mile zigzag up Coldwater Peak.

The panoramas become spectacular as you climb upward.

With few trees blocking views, you can see the Boundary Trail as it weaves along the ridges.

From the top of Coldwater Peak, you can see Rainier to the north, Adams to the east and St. Helens and Hood to the south.

... and a menagerie of wildflowers.

And with flowers come butterflies. Hidden among the landscape is also some abandoned logging equipment from before Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption.

You get a nice view of Coldwater Lake during the home stretch coming down Coldwater Ridge. Hit it in the morning for better lighting.

All and all, the hike's 14 miles round trip with about 3,400 feet of elevation gain.

[justpeachy]

Nice! How were the mosquitoes?

[Chip Down]

In spite of how amazing the topography and scenery are up there, I'd still be super excited about finding the abandoned logging equipment. I know, I'm weird.

[Peder]

Lovely, one of my favorite hikes!