Packwood, Washington
	10.8 miles 760 feet 5 hours 30 minutes
• Google Map  • Trail Map Image

This was a longer hike to Packwood Lake and back, but well worth it as the lake was beautiful. The hike out was also very nice, and not strenuous. We didn't get too far around the lake, but if I went back I'd allow for more time to go completely around the whole lake. That would add over 3 miles of extra distance.

After parking we hiked in using what looked like the primary trail, marked as 78 on the trail map. On the way back from the lake we decided to take another route, behind the Guard Station, marked as 74 on the map. That route was a road for cars, though we didn't see a single one. I didn't like the feeling on the road as much as the trail in, but there were still nice views. It looked like you could also take some side trails from the road down to the creek, but we didn't try any of them.

Overall a great hike! I'd be happy to go back, see the area again, and do more exploring.

This was on trail 78, hiking in from the parking lot. Nice and green!

Packwood Lake was serene and beautiful. We definitely got lucky with the weather.

So brave 🐹🛡

I forgot to bring my SLR camera with a good zoom, so this poor fellow had to endure my repeated advances as I tried to get my iPhone closer and closer. I was shocked when the critter stood its ground! I probably got within 5 feet before it fled.

Leaves and roots on the trail around the lake.

My mom said the last time she hiked here the hillsides were covered with colored maple trees. No luck this time. We only saw leftover leaves on the ground, but the patterns were still pretty.

The Guard Station. We took route 74 behind it back to the parking lot.

Hydro power generation, which is apparently still active.

The route back was a road, but still had some nice scenery.

Another look at the road back, with Alder trees alongside.

One great lookout point on the way back, at a spot where the trees opened up.

And now, the mushrooms! The cluster on the right was massive, maybe 1 to 1½ feet wide.

I love the endless mushroom varieties.

A short ascent back up to the parking lot.

Cows along the highway at sunrise.

The above photo wasn't taken anywhere near Packwood. We caught this beautiful sight driving out from Long Beach, heading towards the Astoria bridge, on our way to Packwood.