Birth of a Lake Trail is a half-mile interpretive trail at the beautiful Coldwater Lake recreational area detailing the creation of the lake following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The brief trail is one of the National Volcanic Monument's best spots for accessible hiking, offering several ADA-accessible boardwalks and easy paths for wheelchair and stroller navigation. Interpretive displays along the trail explain how the lake was formed by the damming of nearby Coldwater Creek after the eruption changed the area's terrain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the lake's terrain, including vista overlooks highlighting framing by the nearby mountains. Picnic tables, public restrooms, and ample parking are provided for all recreational area guests.
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