Packwood Lake

Saw elk on drive in (Skate Creek roadside). One van & one rig w/ horse trailer @ trailhead. Departed at 11:15 AM. Views of Rainier from parking lot but top clouded in. Trail in good shape. Slight uphill at start, stays fairly level after that. Mostly in forest but a few openings w/ fall color starting. Trail heads southeast toward Packwood Lake. Trail cuts sharp to left and down to the lake after about 4 miles. Several buildings around west end of lake including 1910 Ranger Station with historic preservation in progress. Did not see anybody on hike up until lake. About 6 guys and 3 dogs spread out around west end of lake. Some of the guys trying to start a campfire on beach. Nice view of Johnson Peak w/ fresh coats of snow beyond far end of lake. I continued on to east end of lake via trail #81 Upper Lake Creek. Another 1-2 miles to get there. Did not see group on horses (other guys saw them). Mt Rainier mostly clouded in (visible from far end of lake on clear day). On way back passed a solo hiker who was going to camp there. Got back to car by 3:40 PM. Peaceful hike. No bugs!