Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington.

Coldwater Lake is located in the shadow of Mount Saint Helens and owes its existence to the cataclysmic eruption of the volcano on May 18, 1980. The valley, known as Coldwater Valley due to the creek of the same name that meanders there, was blocked and the creek dammed by material thrown from the volcano during the eruption.

Eventually, the water level from the creek rose upstream from the blockage and water started flowing over the “dam”. Coldwater Creek then continued on its way to the Toutle River. Coldwater Lake is the result of that change in terrain and is but one of several similar lakes similarly created in 1980.

There is a boat ramp for recreational use, but gasoline motors are prohibited. Kayaking on the lake is very popular, as well as trout fishing. There is even a short interpretive trail for visitors to enjoy several views of the lake.

About the photo: This image was captured with my Samsung S20U cellphone, tweaked in Adobe Lightroom with final edits made in Luminar 4. Click on the image for a closer view, if your browser supports that feature.

John Steiner