This is an amazing trail with views of hummocks, wildlife (especially if you go early), and Mt. St. Helens, the star attraction. We hiked on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The trail was clear, just a skiff of snow above zcoldwater Lake, until you cross the creek and get into the trees. There the snow was deeper, except right under fir trees. That lasted less than 1/4 mile, and no traction devices were needed. Once out of the trees, the trail was clear to Loowit, except for one short snowdrift that had footprints to walk in. The snow gradually got deeper from Loowit, up to about a foot deep near the observatory. There were mountain goats below the JRO, and also on other ridges, even by where you see Coldwater Lake. We saw elk on hummocks and in the valley below Loowit.
BTW, no bathrooms at Coldwater or Hummocks trailhead, but the gift shop at the Forest Learning Center has restrooms and is open from 10-4 every day until October.
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