2011 Map of Spirit Lake West

About this map

Spirit Lake and the dramatic topography of Cowlitz County define this post-eruption landscape, where the shifting hydrology of the North Fork Toutle River and its tributaries is clearly visible. The area is dominated by significant peaks and ridges that survived or were reshaped by volcanic activity, including Johnston Ridge and Coldwater Peak. High-elevation water bodies like Saint Helens Lake, Elk Lake, and Coldwater Lake dot the terrain, while landmarks such as the Coldwater Lookout and Windy Ridge Viewpoint offer perspectives on the recovering environment. The map details the drainage patterns of Coldwater Creek and Miners Creek as they navigate through the shadows of Mount Margaret and Minnie Peak. This 2011 survey serves as a vital record of the geological changes in the Cascades, tracing the boundaries of Bear Cove and Duck Bay within the lake's expanded reach.