vTrail Boundary Trail / Mt St Helens

Boundary Trail #1
Johnston Ridge to Coldwater Trail

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

4.6 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

4200 ft

Elevation Gain:

-200, +1000 ft

Season:

July - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Heavy

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Maps:

USGS Spirit Lake West
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 South to Exit #49. Turn east and follow Highway 504 to Johnston Ridge Observatory (MP 52) at the end of the Highway 504.

Trailhead:

Big parking, water is available, restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.

Trail:

June 29, 2002

The first 0.1 mile of the trail is accessible. In 0.1 mile to the right goes Eruption Trail, the main trail turns to the left. Gradually descending the trail goes along the ridge, providing magnificent view of the Mount St. Helens and the valley . The trail continues on for another 1.7 mile, then it turns north and in 0.5 mile reaches a junction with the Truman Trail #207, that goes to the right. A nice view opens up from this point onto the south end of the Spirit Lake . From here the trail gradually climbs for 0.7 mile to the junction with the Harris Ridge Trail #208 that goes to the right. The trail gets steeper as it climbs up the slope with a great view of the Mount St. Helens and the Spirit Lake. In about another mile the trail reaches a ridge with a view of the St. Helens Lake . The slopes are very steep in this part of the trail. The trail passes through the arch and in about 0.1 mile it reaches a junction with the Coldwater Trail #230 that turns left. You can see St. Helens Lake from this point.