Coldwater Lake - WTA Backcountry Response Team

Thursday, July 9, 2026 8:30 AM
Sunday, July 12, 2026 3:30 PM

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Don't miss this chance to work along the gorgeous Lakes Trail, beginning at Coldwater Lake with views of St. Helens.

This crew is camping at the east end of Coldwater Lake, which the Forest Service is graciously allowing us to use just for this work party!

About the Area: The Mount Margaret backcountry is one of the most unique landscapes in North America. Visitors to this rugged and spectacular part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument can see the effects of the 1980 eruption of St. Helens.

The lateral blast and pyroclastic flows shattered trees and swirled around peaks and basins as it toppled thousands of acres of pristine forest. Now the area is a stark moonscape and an excellent destination for hiking and backpacking.

What to Expect - We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!

Project Description

We are working on sections of both the Lakes and Coldwater Trails that has been severely overgrown the last few years. Expect brushing (cutting back foliage) to reveal the trail, followed by lots of treadwork in order to re-establish the trail.

Camping and Hiking Information

Type: Backcountry basecamp
Location: Coldwater Lake, with water available (which must be filtered) from the lake.
Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

Initial hike to camp: 3.8 miles rolling along the lake shore with 500 feet of elevation change, at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack fully loaded with all provisions including camping gear and food, plus WTA-provided tools
Expected daily hike to project: depending on how far we get, 1-2 miles roundtrip with up to 1500 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace.

Schedule:

Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, begin work on the project and set up camp
Day 2+: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:00 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Arrive back in camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew. / Make a lunch and pack up camp before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:00 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Reach camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Set up, prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.
Final Day: Break down camp, finish trail project, hike out and say goodbye to the crew at the trailhead

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a challenging backcountry adventure!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

A great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need for the project
Backpacking gear and food for multiple nights on the trail
Good physical condition to hike with a fully-loaded backpack and be physically active for about 8-9 hours daily on uneven terrain
Backpacking experience including ability to run your own camp following Leave No Trace principles
Day work party experience recommended
Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests
Minimum age: 18

What to Bring - Required:

Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Work gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
Long pants

Recommended:

Sturdy work or hiking boots
Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hard hat. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

Backpacking gear