Took my 4 year old out for his first multinight backpacking trip. We did this out and back over two nights. Forest Road 48 has a significant washout/rough spot about 6-7 miles up from Packwood and is recommended for high clearance 4x4 only until it is graded again. I bottomed out my CRV pretty badly.
The trail can be a bit of a goat trail in places, especially after the 2.5 mile mark from the trailhead when it switches over to the Lily Basin side of the ridge. The view of Mt Rainier is incredible. The view of Johnson Peak is equally great once you cross into Lily Basin.
Over three days we saw exactly 4 people and 1 dog. Well worth the trip.
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