About this campground
Coldwater Lake Recreation Area is located 45 miles east of Castle Rock in the heart of the blast zone near the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Experience the effect the May 18, 1980 eruption had on the Coldwater Valley, including creating a brand new lake. Kayaking is popular here. Combustion engines are prohibited on the lake, but anglers reach trophy trout by electric motors, rowing, or kicking. See Restrictions section. The 0.6 miles accessible Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail allows visitors to enjoy close up views of Coldwater Lake. Accessible Adventures Video
Getting there
From Castle Rock, drive State Route 504 east 43 miles. Stay right where State Route 504 forks towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Continue for 1 mile, turn left at Coldwater Lake.
Activities
- FISHING
- HIKING
- PICNICKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Trailhead: South ColdwaterWashington1 mi
- Johnston Ridge ObservatoryWashington3 mi
- Smith Creek Picnic/ViewpointWashington7 mi
- Harmony Falls ViewpointGifford Pinchot National Forest8 mi
- Meta Lake Interpretive SiteGifford Pinchot National Forest9 mi
- Miners Car Interpretive SiteGifford Pinchot National Forest9 mi
Explore more Washington camping
Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Site doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Washington campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Washington camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.