Pack Forest

Hike all-season through varied vegetation in the University of Washington's Charles L. Pack Experimental Forest. Trips range from 0.5 to 10+ miles and very little to 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Enjoy views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Ohop Valley on a clear day. Horses and mountain bikes may use some of the trails and roads. Motorcycles and vehicles can use the main gravel roads.

getting there

The entrance and gatehouse of the Charles L. Pack Experimental Forest in on SR-7 just east of the intersection with SR-161, south of Eatonville. There are three parking lots near the entrance that server the forest's network of trails and roads.

on the trail

There is a network of roads and trails that allow for many out-and-back and loop trip options with varying difficulties. Choose your own adventure and enjoy the varied vegetation throughout the forest and views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Ohop Valley  from a handful of vistas on a clear day.

notes

  • For trips to three waterfalls, visit our Little Mashel Falls route/place.
  • A map is available at the gate house and at packforest.org.
  • There are a variety of trails and roads.  Horses and mountain bikes may use some of the trails and roads. Motorcycles and vehicles can use the main gravel roads.
  • Hunting is allowed away from the campus.
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 4.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 880 ft
  • 1,790 ft
  • Land Manager: Pack Forest
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Day Hike - Hugo Peak

Day Hiking Trip
Priority given to 2024 Olympia branch Conditioning Hiking Series participants until 4/2/2024. Thereafter participants from
Difficulty: Easy
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
No Prerequisites
5 participants 1 leader
Registration closes Apr 5
Olympia Branch
Paul Kallmann
Qualified Youth Leader

Day Hike - Pack Forest

Day Hiking Trip
**Preference given to 2024 Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series participants** Trip will open for registration to
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, May 11, 2024
No Prerequisites
6 participants 1 leader
Registration opens Apr 15
Olympia Branch
Mandi Maycumber
Qualified Youth Leader
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Hugo Peak
  • Hugo Peak Lookout
  • Hugo Peak & Advanced Horse Trail
  • Hugo Peak & Reservoir Trail
  • Hugo Peak & 1000 Road Loop
  • Trail of the Giants
  • Hugo Peak & Trail of the Giants
  • Windy Ridge
  • Hugo Peak & Windy Ridge
  • 1000 Road Loop
  • Mount Rainier View Loop
  • 1000 Road & Mount Rainier View Loops
  • Short Pack Forest Loop
  • Arboretum Loop
  • Mill Pond Loop
  • Arboretum & Mill Pond Loop
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.