We started at Blue Lake/horse Trail head, where 8123 ends. Where the paved road turns to gravel, the road is pot holed with uneven surface but easily passable with caution. We followed the Toutle Trail on a gentle grade to the Butte Camp trail, where the grade increased, ascending to 4000 feet.  There were small snow patches, easily passable. Butte Camp made great lunch stop with views of St Helens, if day is clear. We had intended to continue on to the Loowit Trail, about another mile and a half, but snow blocked the trail so we turned back. Very few flowers blooming yet; a few yellow violets and some phlox. We saw one lone hiker, continuing up toward the Loowit. The return plan was to continue on the Toutle trail at intersection of Butte Camp and Toutle, then follow the Kalama ski trail back to the TH.  There was no signage when we arrived at the Kalama ski trail crossing, about 1/2 mile from Butte Camp/Toutle trail intersection.  We turned right here, knowing we would be again crossing the lahar mentioned by dragonmountaineer in a previous report.  It was impossible to see any trail flags or carins on the far side of the lahar which was just a wide, rocky "river".  After crossing, we spent 30 minutes or so looking for flags or a continuation of the trail.  We ended up navigating and bush whacking due west as we knew the 8130 and/or the Toutle trail were not far away (about 1/2 mile).  Thanks to a GPS, map, and analog compass, we found the Toutle trail and continued back to the TH, logging about 9 miles and 1700 feet of elevation. Lesson learned: bring a paper map and do not rely solely on electronics for navigation.

Route 81 is now open. If you approach by passing the Climbing Route or Redrock Pass there is snow across half the road and deep pot holes, so use caution when driving and passing.

Starting from Blue Horse enjoy an easy stroll in a newly grown forest. Instead of continuing to Blue Lake trail see the Butte Camp mountains peaks by following the clearly identified connection by following the trail numbers and trail signs. Take a picture of the trail map at the trail head or bring a map. Our clearest sight of the Butte Camp mountains was at a fun lahar formed canyon with a gentle flowing creek. Follow the cairns to cross this lahar to find the Butte Camp trail. Crossing the creek is not difficult, just some rock scrambling and climbing up the sand wall of the canyon. Once across the lahar marvel at the old growth forest. Instead of continuing to the east side of the Butte Camp peaks we returned to our vehicle to make camp along a forest road. Just a relaxing stroll among the forests impacted by the infamous event.

Blue Lake Loop – Toutle Trail up and Blue Horse Trail down.

This is a loop trail that goes clockwise up the Toutle Trail #238 around Blue Lake to Blue Horse Trail #237 at the top of the Coldspring Creek watershed.  It is a 5.5-mile hike that begins by crossing the same debris field that marks the parking lot trailhead – a wash from melting glaciers and snowfields.  After crossing this rocky pumice and ash field the trail crosses Coldspring Creek on a makeshift bridge and ascends through a mature mixed fir forest at no greater slope than 10°.  High canopy, big trees, and sparse understory made this idea for a hot summer day hike. The junction is at 4,000’ in a meadow and the highest point of the Toutle Trail. 

The descent from the two trail junction begins on an abandoned raised railroad bed with <4° slope for 1 mile where it crosses the Coldspring Creek near its source.  From the railroad bed the wide trail narrows, doubles on itself then goes up and over a hill and into another mixed fir forest and descends to a huge debris wash.  This debris wash is tricky and worth noting. There is no trail across this very rocky and loose bolder field and a second one follows the first.  I followed footprints down the wash and some red tape flags helped.  But it was difficult to cross these two fields (see photo) and to find the trail on the other side.  The remainder of Blue Horse Trail #237 is down an eroded and cupped tread and back to Toutle Trail and then the 0.1-mile connector trail to the trailhead.  A great hike and easily 3.5 stars for me. 

Wildlife: scat of coyotes and bear on the trail.  Abundant elk hooves and scybala.