Scouting backpack to Packwood lake

Wonderful parking lot with pit toilet. Parking permit with America the Beautiful needed. Sign at lake said we need to sign in and register but no one could find the sign in book or even the stand that holds it? No ranger was seen. No permits except sign in when available. 

We took the first open campsite, there was a fire spot but we didn't create a fire due to smell and danger. We didn't see or smell any other camp fires. 

Backpack in along the Pipeline lower road/trail gave me stats of 4.24 miles and 142 ft elevation gain. With lots of wildflower viewing and photo's took us 2 hr to pack in. Everyone's stats were similar but different. If you day hike the trail you get a better workout. Once trees are cleared should be good. I'd recommend a loop. 

We had good weather, no rain, saw lots of ducks, heard owls, plentiful bird noises, crows, few bugs (we pre treated tents, etc). We saw something in the lake (otter, beaver or ?) swim from the island towards shore before dusk. Views were ever changing of the sunset on the mountain. This is a great place to hike and backpack. 

Flowers: wild strawberries, 2 fairy slippers, ferns, vanilla leaf, flowering berry bushes, skunk cabbage, yellow violets. Our camp had a flowering tree that buzzed with bees. If you are allergic take your epi pen! They did not bother us at all. 

Pre hike we stopped at Pack wood bakery, they have 1 restroom and good coffee and snacks. On the way out we stopped at the rest area in Randal then the Huff and Puff for a burger and shake. They are reasonable and pretty good service. You eat outside at picnic tables. Jr. burger and med shake was $10.