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Trail #78 Packwood Lake
Trail map for Goat Rocks Wilderness area.
This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.
Most of this trail is in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail starts at the end of Forest Road 1260 and climbs gently through old-growth. Two small harvest areas are passed within the first 3/4 mile, offering views of Mt. Rainier. The trail then enters Wilderness and continues toward Packwood Lake.
Within a short distance of the lake, the trail leaves the wilderness and descends to the lake. The trail climbs, enters the wilderness, and proceeds to Mosquito Lake and the junction with the Three Peaks Trail #69. The trail continues to climb, passing a junction with Coyote Trail #79 before reaching Lost Lake.
The trail continues north on an open ridgeline to the junction with the Bluff Lake Trail #65 (area is unavailable) and the Clear Lost Trail #76. The Packwood Lake Trail was constructed in 1910 by the Valley Development Company which had plans for a hydroelectric project. Long before the lake was explored for its hydroelectric potential, it was used by the Taidnapam people as a fishing and camping site. The 452-acre lake is located at the headwaters of Lake Creek. It was formed when a large mass of soil and rock slid off Snyder Mountain and dammed Lake Creek 1,200 years ago.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 9/12/22: Per Forest Order NO.06-03-05-22-02 this trail and access is closed due to fire activity. To learn more about Goat Rocks Wildfire please go to the following website link for current updated information: Goat Rocks Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov) |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Wilderness Permit Required to enter Goat Rocks Wilderness. Permits are free and available at trailheads and ranger stations. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness Regulations apply in Goat Rocks Wilderness. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Packwood Lake Trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Packwood Trailhead (fee site)
From Packwood, WA travel US-12 for .3 miles east and take a right on Snyder Road. travel for 1.2 miles and continue onto Forest Road 1260 for another 4.5 miles to the trailhead.
Despite what your navigation device may tell you, Forest Roads 46, 4610, 4612, or 1266 DO NOT provide desirable access to Packwood Lake or any trail leading to the lake. Access Packwood Lake via Forest Road 1260 and the Packwood Lake Trail #78 or Pipeline Trail #74.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Location
