Packwood Lake — Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2016

South Cascades > Goat Rocks

I back-tracked out of the parking area down to the lower livestock/atv trailhead, then took trail #78 back, making a loop. I am so glad I did. The lower trail is flat (minimal elevation gain), wide and in good condition. Along the route are increasingly beautiful views of Mount Rainier and other peaks. There were a few different varieties of wildflowers in bloom to add color to the many shades of green. Before you know it, you arrive at the lake ... which was stunning. After a quick lunch at the lake and some exploring of the area - there's a 1910 Ranger Station which was cool - I found the clearly marked trail #78. All the elevation on my route came on this trail. The terrain was rougher, but still easy to navigate. It beautifully wound around the ridgeface through some beautiful forest and into the Goat Rocks Wilderness. I'd like to point out that the mosquitos were out in full force most of the trip, and pretty much ignored my repellent. I even pulled out the DEET 100, which they just scoffed at.