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Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Packwood Lake
Sometimes, even the most gung-ho hiker needs a break-just a gentle walk through the woods, followed by a leisurely swim and a relaxing afternoon alongside a cool lake. Packwood Lake is the perfect place to practice this laid-back trail lifestyle, especially late in the spring and early in the autumn when the hordes of summer hikers have gone home, freeing up the lake's popular campsites and excellent fishing opportunities.
The Packwood Lake Trail (No. 78) weaves through old second-growth forests for 4 miles along a deep river valley, with views limited to the trees around you. As the trail nears this broad, low-elevation lake, you'll find peek-a-boo views up the valley to the jagged crest of Goat Rocks. At 4.6 miles, the trail reaches an old ranger station at the west end of the lake (2900 feet). A wide wooden bridge crosses the outlet stream. You'll pass the campground just after crossing the bridge. The trail continues around the end of the lake and leads east along the north side of the mile-long lake. Many campsites can be found along the lake, with great views up onto the Goat Rocks peaks.
Driving Directions:
From Packwood, follow U.S. Highway 12 to the east end of town and turn south-east onto Forest Road 1262 (next to the former USFS Packwood Ranger Sta-tion). Continue southeast on FR 1262 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Recent Trip Reports
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Packwood Lake #78
— May 25, 2008
— toadlicker
Day hike
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The second half of the trail is still snow covered, but the route is easy to follow. The lake and sn...
The second half of the trail is still snow covered, but the route is easy to follow. The lake and snow-capped mountains look beautiful.
Packwood Lake #78
— May 20, 2007
— Bev
Day hike
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My brother and hiking partner hiked in to Packwood Lake while my husband Jerry rode his bicycle in o...
My brother and hiking partner hiked in to Packwood Lake while my husband Jerry rode his bicycle in on the pipeline road. The forest service is repairing the wash out on the pipeline road and the Lewis County Backcountry Horsemen have been clearing the trees off the road.
Packwood Lake #78
— May 13, 2007
— Rock Ranger
Day hike
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The trail was in excellent condition! Nice, gentle and quick hike into Packwood Lake for the purpose...
The trail was in excellent condition! Nice, gentle and quick hike into Packwood Lake for the purpose of lucnh and scouting backcounty sites for future overnight trips. My kids and wife had an easy time with the trail to the lake. A little snow covering the trail near the top of the ridge. Day hike
Issues:
Washouts
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Pipeline Road Trail #74, an alternate route for Packwood Lake Trail #78 to reach Packwood Lake, has ...
Pipeline Road Trail #74, an alternate route for Packwood Lake Trail #78 to reach Packwood Lake, has a large wash-out. A bypass has been created around the wash-out. This is a multi-use trail that is often used for a loop trip to the lake.
Packwood Lake #78
— Apr 29, 2007
— Backcountry Horsemen of Washington - Lewis Co Chapter
Day hike
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Backcountry Horsemen of Washington - Lewis County Chapter cleared winter blow-downs from Packwood La...
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington - Lewis County Chapter cleared winter blow-downs from Packwood Lake Trail #78 starting at Packwood Lake trailhead to Packwood Lake. A mud-slide on the Pipeline Road Trail #74 is passable for foot traffic,stock, & ORV's. |
![]() Photo courtesy of user 'GOUWDOGS'
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