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Backpack - Packwood Lake

Trip

Backpack - Packwood Lake

From the trailhead we'll follow a relatively easy 4.5 mile trail through a lush, old-growth forest to reach a large, clear alpine lake with glorious views of Goat Rocks, Mt. Rainier and Johnson Peak. This is a mentored trip for Bob McFarland. It is an ideal trip for B3 students who need a single-night backpack trip.

Contacts

Paul Thomsen
Paul Thomsen
Primary Leader
Bob McFarland
Bob McFarland
Mentored Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,105 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 3,200 ft
  • Pace: 2mph

We'll meet at 9am on Saturday at the Mountain Goat Coffee Shop, 105 Main St, Packwood.(https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Mountain+Goat/@46.6066084,-121.6727392,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x549727e1b53078f7:0x20a071616cab93d8!2sThe+Mountain+Goat!8m2!3d46.6066047!4d-121.6705505!3m4!1s0x549727e1b53078f7:0x20a071616cab93d8!8m2!3d46.6066047!4d-121.6705505).  From there, we'll caravan to the parking lot at the trailhead.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parking in the lot near the trailhead.

The hike to Packwood Lake is on a good trail that winds gently through a lush old-growth forest and gradually rises from 2,000' to 3,200' and then drops to 2,900' at the lake.  This hike is usually listed as 8.2 miles round trip.  That is the distance from the trailhead to the lake.  We'll need to hike along the lake for a short distance to find campsites, so it will more likely be about 10.0 miles round trip. 

Fishing with a lure with a single barbless hook is permitted.  If you plan to fish, please be aware of all WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife regulations as they relate to  Packwood Lake:  https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations .

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
Trip Reports