What are the current conditions regarding trail obstacles like blowdown or slides?

As of [August 29](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-02.094023504365), downed trees have been removed and most stream crossings were easy to navigate. However, a report from [July 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-25.094233175840) mentioned a surprisingly sketchy slide about 3/4 mile past Ridge Camp, consisting of loose sand with dangerous runout. Other reports from August 22 and July 7 noted narrow sections and loose footing that required cautious stepping.

What is the status of the road access and parking at the trailhead?

The road to the trailhead is consistently reported as suitable for all vehicles by multiple users, with the latest mention on [August 29](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-02.094023504365). Parking at the Hummocks TH, where the road is closed beyond, has had multiple open spots, and the South Coldwater TH was surprisingly uncrowded on a summer weekend as of [August 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-27.202305056996).

Are there any significant bug issues reported?

The majority of reports from July and August indicate no significant bug issues, with several users specifically mentioning 'no bugs' or 'bugs were not too bad' as of [August 29](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-02.094023504365) and [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-21.142358806079). However, one report from July 22 did note that bugs were an annoyance.

What is the general state of vegetation along the trail?

Reports from late July and August indicate some brushy sections, particularly along Coldwater Lake as noted on [August 29](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-02.094023504365). The Elk Bench trail was described as a bit brushy but runnable on August 29, and the connection trail between South Coldwater and Lakes trail was described as a little overgrown on [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-21.142358806079). Otherwise, vegetation is generally good with wildflowers noted in July 22 and July 18.

South Coldwater Trail

South Cascades

updated 3 weeks ago

The South Coldwater Trail remains largely snow-free, with most reports from July and August indicating good to fair conditions. Some sections of the trail, particularly along Coldwater Lake and around Blast Zone Butte, were noted as brushy or having narrow, loose footing as of August 29 and July 7. Several reports mention minor obstacles like downed trees and a few sketchy slides, but these were generally navigable. The road to the trailhead is reported as suitable for all vehicles, and parking has been surprisingly uncrowded on summer weekends according to a report from August 23. Wildflowers were blooming in late July, and some vine maples were showing hints of fall color by August 23.

Generated from 29 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about South Coldwater Trail

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

As of August 29, downed trees have been removed and most stream crossings were easy to navigate. However, a report from July 24 mentioned a surprisingly sketchy slide about 3/4 mile past Ridge Camp, consisting of loose sand with dangerous runout. Other reports from August 22 and July 7 noted narrow sections and loose footing that required cautious stepping.