From Packwood, follow U.S. Highway 12 to the east end of town and turn south-east onto Forest Road 1262 (next to the former USFS Packwood Ranger Station). Continue southeast on FR 1262 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
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Packwood Lake
One of the largest lakes in Washington that requires a hike is Packwood Lake. Packwood is perfect for summer family trips, snowshoeing, or camping with larger groups. Other than exploring the lake, a few trails take off into the Goat Rocks Wilderness to higher lakes and views.
Distance: 5 miles
Lake Elevation: 3,200 feet
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Access: Good Gravel
Route:
Access:
The trail goes through mature second-growth forests most of the way with few views. At the lake is an old ranger cabin with some campsites nearby. The trail continues another mile along the lake. The far end has more camps and a nice view of Mt. Rainier with the lake. From the trail head, there is also a road that goes to the lake outlet where a small dam was built in 1964 to produce electricity. You can bike to the dam and leave your bike there to visit the lake.
Packwood Lake
Overview map showing location of Packwood Lake near Packwood on Highway 12
Winter Route Option
Bike Route
Hiker Only Trail
GATE
Trailhead
Johnson Peak and Packwood Lake
Bridge over the outlet
Hiking the trail in spring
Hiking down the winter route (see map at bottom)
Old ranger cabin
Outlet thawed on Packwood Lake
Packwood Lake and Mount Rainier from the east end
Packwood Lake and Mount Rainier
Rainier and Little Tahoma
Ben sleeping in a boat inside the cabin
Dogs allowed
Water level down a bit in winter