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Packwood Lake

Trip

Backpack - Packwood Lake

Backpack in to one of the largest and most magnificent lakes in the Cascades, Packwood Lake, nestled in the less crowded Goat Rocks Wilderness, with views of Mt. Rainier and excellent swimming opportunities on a warm day.

Contacts

Dick Hayek
Dick Hayek
Primary Leader
  • Sat, Jul 8, 2017 — Sun, Jul 9, 2017
  • Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
  • Backpacking
  • Adults, Singles, 20-30 Somethings, Families, Retired Rovers, Youth
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft

Alternate driving routes to Packwood are (1) via Enumclaw, SR 410 and Cayuse Pass, (2) through Eatonville, Elbe and the Skate Creek Road or (3) on I-5 and SR 12, depending on where you are coming from.  We will caravan from the coffee company in Packwood for several miles on paved roads to the trailhead parking lot.  Each car parked at the trailhead parking lot must display a Northwest Forest Pass or the equivalent.  There are restrooms at the coffee company in Packwood and at the trailhead.  There are two outhouses at Packwood Lake.  Water can be filtered from inflowing streams near campsites at several points around the lake.  Multiple large campsites are spread out along the lake.  The first half of the hike in gains elevation and the second half declines, so part of the listed elevation gain for the trip is on the hike out.

Meet at 9 AM at the coffee company at the NE corner of Main St and SR 12 in Packwood, where breakfast food and restrooms are available.

Route/Place

Packwood Lake


  • Green Trails Goat Rocks William O Douglas Wilderness No. 303S
    Green Trails Packwood No. 302
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
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