This hike starts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and follows the Boundary Trail (#1) east 4.8 miles to the junction with the Coldwater Trail (#230). Follow the Coldwater Trail north & then west 2.3 miles to the junction with the South Coldwater Trail (#230A), then follow this trail 3.1 miles down to the trailhead along State Hwy. 504. The hike requires a short car shuttle between the two trailheads.

Our group of 11 hikers from Olympia started from Johnston Ridge Observatory on a perfect, clear October morning. About 1.5 miles along the Bpoundary trail, there is a long traverse on the sidehill of a steep ridge above the pumice plain below. The trail here is a good condition, but the lond slope below can be intimidating. Just past this spot, we saw a herd of some 40 elk far below, with the stunning view into the Mt. St. Helens crater filling the horizon to the south.

Trail #1 drops to a low junction, then climbs through debris piles deposited by the gigantic 5/18/80 landslide. In another mile or so, we reached a saddle on the ridge with grand views of the northern arms of Spirit Lake below, and Mt. Adams beyond. Now the trail climbs steadily some 1,000 feet. Mt Hood soon is visible to the SE. The trail climbs to a spur ridge above St. Helens Lake, rimmed by a steep basin, and partly covered by downed trees from the great blast. The trail descends slightly to punch through a natural arch in the ridge, then winds around several dramatic pinnacles to the junction with trail #230. 4 volcanoes are visible along this stretch.

From the junction, trail #230 climbs through a saddle & descends through more of the blast zone, with fine views of Coldwater Peak. At a low, barren saddle, the trail abruptly turns right & traverses the north slope of a side drainage of Coldwater Creek. This turn is not marked, & could easily be missed particularly in cloudy conditions. Trail #230 then drops to the junction with trail #230A.

Turn left at this junction, and climb gently to gain the crest of the ridge between Coldwater and South Coldwater creeks. Soon there are fine views to Coldwater Lake below. About 1 mile before the trail ends, pass the sobering rem,ains of heavy equipment from a logging operation that was destroyed by the 5/18/80 blast.

In a bit more than 10 miles, this circuit hike delivers a grand tour through the blast zone, outstanding views in all directions, and interesting looks at the recovering vegetation. The trail is generally in good condition, although the last 3 miles are somewhat brushy. Leave a car at the South Coldwater trailhead on your way to Johnston ridge, and finish the trip with an easy car shuttle that takes only 20 minutes or so.