7/20, Saturday. After a late lunch at Johnston Ridge Observatory's amphitheater (less crowd, more benches), we started Coldwater Peak almost at 3pm. Very warm. A lot of people. Flowers were past prime here: half of paintbrush were withered. Still quite nice. You loose most people once past the junction of Harry's Ridge. This section of Boundary Trail has changed since last July when I hiked this. It went lower, and longer.
Continue on Boundary Trail, zigzag up the first slope. The view gets better and better. Passed the stone arch, ignore the junction of Coldwater Trail, take the short spur trail left and up to Coldwater Peak. The view going up and on the top is always spectacular, except for the cell towers. The last section had tons of mariposa lily, and a few blooming beargrass left. 360° view. Had the whole place to ourselves. Lingered here for 20 minutes before going down.
Hiking back along Johnston Ridge around 8pm is a delight. Cooler, better lighting. Quite a few of folks waiting for sunset with their tripods and big cameras. 
We waited at the top of the butte for the sun to set, which was ~9pm. The visitor center closes at 6pm with the bathroom inside. Drove down to Coldwater Lake to cook dinner and use the bathroom. A lot of moths, a few mosquitoes here. The night sky wasn't very dark, because the 3/4 moon was about to rise ~11pm. Quite a few stars reflecting in the lake, dancing to the breeze. Heard fish jumping. We were not the only ones enjoying this view tonight.
7/21, Sunday. Another warm day. Breezy. Not a shred of cloud.
Walked the wheelchair accessible Birth of a Lake trail. Pleasant, nice panels, benches to sit by the lake at multiple locations. Coldwater Lake was formed after the eruption debris blocked the outlet in 1980. By 7am, already more than one families have arrived with their fishing rods and ice boxes.
Truman Trail shared the first 2.5 miles with yesterday's hike on Boundary Trail. Breezy. Nobody:) Nice morning light. The crater of St. Helens had dust clouds, looking like an imminent eruption.
At the Boundary - Truman junction, take a right, and drop down to the pumice field. Still some shade to be had here, a couple of tiny streams, more yellow flowers. Walked by this cute pond to your right (west). Continue with minor ups and downs. Flowers intensified as you continue.
We took Willow Springs trail for a mile or half, until where I had lunch last Sunday. Took a long break. Headed back out, and gaining all the elevation back. Temperature rising. Saw only 2 small parties of hikers in the pumice field, more once we hit Boundary Trail. By the time we reached our car, it was bustling, a long line in front of the hotdog stand in the relentless sun. Almost 1pm.Driving back had 3 sections of traffic jam :(
