Cold Water Lake: A Gift from the Volcano

"The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, created a lahar or debris avalanche that rushed down the North Fork of the Toutle River, burying the whole valley up to 600 feet (180 m) deep. The lahar backed up Coldwater Creek for more than a mile (1.6 km), damming the creek ... to a height of 180 feet (55 m)."

{ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldwater_Lake_(Washington) }

Over the next few months, water collected behind the newly formed dam. Today, what once was a creek is now Cold Water Lake, part of the Mt. Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument. It's a peaceful spot just off the road leading to the Johnston Observatory, and a lovely place to take a break from the drive and enjoy a waterside picnic.

The lake is surrounded by new growth forest. After the intense sun at the Observatory, we enjoyed the shady paths and boardwalk along the shore. Looking to the SE, the shattered peak of Mt. Saint Helens rises above the surrounding hills.

Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk over the wetlands.

Where you might see sand dunes along another shore, here there are hillocks of pumice and ash, slowly being covered with new vegetation. 

This one was about 6' high, and had eroded away around a large rock held in place by the roots of a young tree:.

If you visit Mt. Saint Helens, make a stop at Coldwater Lake. It's a beautiful example of how  nature's destructive power also creates new beauty. 

All photos by the author.

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