Review:

Coldwater Lake is a lovely barrier lake near Amboy that was created by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which dammed nearby Coldwater Creek with volcanic debris. The lake, which is located along the border of Washington's Skamania and Cowlitz Counties, is located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and flows into the nearby Toutle River along its southwestern end. It is known as one of the Portland area's premiere outdoor recreation sites, offering a boat ramp for non-motorized watercraft and opportunities to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout throughout the year. Beautiful panoramic vistas of the lake are showcased at the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center, which is also home to a public science and learning center. Day-use picnic sites are available for visitor use, along with a 0.6-mile interpretive trail documenting the lake's formation after the eruption.

1501 E. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, Phone: 360-891-5000

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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