Ran a big 'ole loop clockwise from Coldwater boat launch along the Lakes Trail, then back on the Boundary Trail and South Coldwater Trail.
Lakes Trail - easy going along the lakeshore, but brushy and overgrown (sometimes very brushy and overgrown) from the climb up to Snow Lake all the way to the junction with Boundary. There are 2-3 washouts on the climb to Snow that were ok for us but would probably be sketchy with a heavy pack on (these are accurately documented in prior trip reports). Good water sources and lots of huckleberries through here, especially between Snow Lake and Panhandle.
Boundary Trail - epic. Huge in-your-face views of St. Helens and Spirit Lake. More wildflowers and huckleberries, and lots of goats, especially near Margaret Camp. But very, very dry in all the camps - our last water source was at Grizzly creek, so if you're approaching from South Coldwater plan on carrying what you need.
South Coldwater Trail - not much to note here, except that the South Coldwater TH is behind the gate (right at the Hummocks Trailhead), so there's about a mile and change of mandatory road walk to close the loop back to the boat launch.
Comments