Packwood Lake Hike

Rye Ryan
Apr 20
3 min read

A Local Favorite for a reason.

Just a few miles from downtown Packwood, WA lies a true gem of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest—Packwood Lake. This serene alpine lake, nestled beneath the rugged Goat Rocks Wilderness, is one of the most accessible backcountry destinations in the South Cascades. Whether you’re visiting Mt. Rainier National Park, staying with us at Packwood Station, or simply looking for your next favorite hike, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing the beauty of Packwood Lake.

Getting There: Directions from Seattle or Portland

From Seattle, WA:Take I-5 south to Highway 12 east. Continue past Morton and Randle. Once you reach Packwood, turn right on Snyder Road and follow the signs for Forest Road 1260 to the Packwood Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is roughly 6 miles from downtown Packwood and is well-marked.

From Portland, OR:Take I-5 north to Highway 12 east. Follow the same route through Randle and into Packwood, then turn onto Snyder Road and proceed to Forest Road 1260.

Note: You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead. You can purchase one online or at select outdoor retailers.

Best Time to Hike Packwood Lake

The trail is typically snow-free and accessible from late May through October, with July and August being peak season. Expect warmer weather, wildflowers in full bloom, and lots of foot traffic in the summer—so arrive early to snag a parking spot. Spring hikes can bring waterfalls and lush greenery, while fall offers crisp air and golden foliage.

Who Can Use the Trail?

The trail is open to:

Hikers and runners
Leashed dogs
Horseback riders
ATVs (on a separate motorized trail—not shared with the hiking trail)

🚴‍♂️ Bikes are not permitted on the trail into Packwood Lake, as it enters the Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary, but they can use the separate ATV trail!

Trail Details

Distance: ~8.5 miles round-trip (out and back)
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3–5 hours round-trip, depending on pace and breaks

There is also a separate ATV route that offers a different vantage point—including a peek at Mount Rainier on clear days! Local folks often treat the trail as a loop, using the main trailhead to go in and taking the ATV as a shortcut with a Mountain view on the way back. Be sure to keep an eye out for the pink the flag that indicates the upper parking lot otherwise you'll find yourself hiking up the main road to get to your car.

Flora, Fauna & Forest Beauty

One of the most magical parts of the hike is how it transforms with the seasons:

Spring: Trillium, fawn lilies, and new fern fronds unfurl under towering Douglas firs.
Summer: Huckleberries ripen, wildflowers color the trail, and you might spot deer, marmots, or mountain goats in the distance.
Fall: Vine maples blaze red and gold, and you’ll hear the calls of migrating birds overhead.

Keep an eye out for eagles, woodpeckers, and the occasional black bear (rare, but worth staying alert and respectful of their space).

What to Bring

Pack for comfort and safety:

Bug spray (especially in late spring and early summer)
Plenty of water
Snacks or lunch to enjoy by the lake
Layers for changing mountain weather
A first aid kit and map or GPS
Camera or binoculars for wildlife watching
A trash bag – Leave No Trace and pack out everything you bring in

A Glimpse of History

Packwood Lake was once home to an old homestead and remains of a dam project from the early 1900s. Though now mostly reclaimed by nature, the area holds stories of loggers, homesteaders, and generations of adventurers who’ve walked this same trail. Today, it’s protected as part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness, a sacred space of natural beauty and quiet retreat.

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or call Packwood home, hiking to Packwood Lake is a rite of passage. Come breathe the mountain air, dip your toes in glacial waters, and marvel at the views that make this place unforgettable.

We’ll see you on the trail!

Happy Exploring,

The Owens