Weekend Gem-Mt. Margaret’s Backcountry Lakes

Views of Shovel Lake open up on your way down to the Lakes Basin

This collection of lakes located north of Mt. St Helens make a amazing overnight or two night excursion. With 7 lakes in the Basin to explore, all with their own charm, you simply can’t go wrong choosing a direction to go wandering. When the 1980’s eruption hit the Mt. Margaret Backcountry, shockwaves traveled through the cliffs and flats that cup these lakes, leveling the surrounding forests and scouring the cliff sides. Today as life returns to the Basin, beautiful clusters of flowers grow between the ghostly white snags that spread out like a fan in different directions forming interesting patterns on the surrounding hillsides. The animals that once inhabited this area have returned as well, with a healthy elk, mountain goat and a plethora of different bird species that wiz around in all directions,  you are never alone. With Hwy. 26 and Norway Pass TH still closed for the season, the easiest way to get access to this area is from Coldwater Lake and the Birth of a Lake TH, located off Hwy. 504 East.

Mt. Rainier

Take TR. 211, The Lakes Trail, as it contours the slope of this massive lake that was formed when Coldwater Creek was dammed by a landslide that traveled down the Mountain by way of the North Fork of Toutle River. This gentle path travels through lovely meadows of beargrass and lupine as it travels up the Creek higher into a mountainous expanse before arriving at Snow Lake in 7.8 miles. This quiet lake is separated from the other lakes in the basin by a small pass, which makes it a great basecamp to explore them from. Or, venture in further to set up at one of the other fabulous lakes that have designated camps like Boot, Shovel or my personnel favorite Obscurity. Now is the best time to visit this iconic Basin in my opinion, as the other trails that lead here are currently blocked by some substantial snow drifts, keeping the crowds to a minimum and the area is not bombarded by mosquitos yet. Camping reservations are needed in the Basin, but are a real value at only $6 dollars for your whole stay. Each spot has a small wooden foundation that is nice and flat to set up in and also has a toilet to boot, making that morning bathroom stop substantially easier and less harmful for the fragile environment. If time allows, bring microspikes and travel up to Bear Pass for a unbelievable view of the Mountain and the Blast Zone or, use you map and a compass to find your way to off trail lakes like Venus or Heart.

Bright flower fields by Coldwater Lake

Snow Lake and the peaks of the Mt. Margaret Backcountry captivate the imagination