Every mountain town has one hike it sends visitors on first, and for Packwood it is Packwood Lake. Trail 78 climbs gently through old forest from the edge of town to a big, quiet alpine lake cupped against the Goat Rocks, and in October it is at its best: snow-free, golden, and nearly empty now that the summer crowds have gone home. It is a moderate, family-friendly day hike with trout fishing and lakeside campsites waiting at the far end, and it is the perfect way to spend a crisp autumn day in the mountains. Here is everything you need to know to do it right.
Where is this, and how do I get there?
The trailhead sits about six miles south of Packwood on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. From US 12 in Packwood, turn south onto Snyder Road, which becomes Forest Road 1260, and follow the pavement to its end at the Packwood Lake trailhead, roughly 5.5 miles up. The road is paved and easy in a passenger car, winding past homes and forest before opening at a good-sized trailhead parking area around 2,800 feet. On a fall morning you will likely have the lot mostly to yourself, a nice change from the summer rush.
One note on timing: the trailhead road is generally snow-free from late May through October, and the trail itself is one of the earliest in the area to melt out in spring. That makes Packwood Lake a dependable shoulder-season hike, but the first hard storm of November can change that fast, so check conditions before you commit to the drive.
The trail: a gentle climb to a big reward
Trail 78 is about 4.5 to 5 miles each way, roughly 9 to 10 miles round trip, with a gentle 1,200 feet of elevation gain spread across the whole route. The trail climbs steadily but never steeply, threading through mossy old-growth forest with the creek audible below, then levels out as it approaches the lake. The grade is what makes it family-friendly: it is a real day hike, but an achievable one for kids and casual hikers, and the payoff is enormous.
When the trees finally open, you arrive at a big lake with the jagged Goat Rocks peaks rising behind it. On a clear October day the water is glassy, the shoreline is ringed with golden vine maple, and the whole scene feels a hundred miles from anywhere, even though you started in town. The trail continues around the lake to campsites on the far shore, so you can keep walking as long as your legs want to.
Why October is the magic month
Late September and October are the sweet spot for this hike. The trail is still dry and snow-free, the bugs are gone, and the fall color lights up the shoreline maples against the dark evergreens. Mornings are crisp, and the lake often sits under a thin layer of mist that burns off into a brilliant afternoon. Best of all, the summer crowds have vanished: where July brings a steady stream of hikers, October gives you long stretches of quiet trail and a lake all to yourself. Bring a camera, because the light on the peaks in the afternoon is worth the whole climb.
Fishing and camping at the lake
Packwood Lake is a proper fishing lake, stocked and wild, with rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. It is a selective fishery, so single barbless hooks and a 10-inch minimum size limit apply, and two-pole fishing is not allowed. Motors are prohibited on the lake, which keeps it quiet and paddle-friendly: bring a small pack raft or paddle boat if you want to fish the far shore, or just cast from the bank near the trail's end. October trout are active in the cool water, and the setting makes even a slow day on the water a good one.
The lake also has established backcountry campsites along its shore, making it a classic one-night overnight. Sites are first-come, first-served, and because part of the route lies in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, wilderness regulations apply: pack out everything, camp at established sites, and keep food stored properly away from wildlife. A dawn at the lake, with mist on the water and the peaks catching first light, is one of the best rewards in Lewis County.
Passes, fees, and practical tips
- Northwest Forest Pass required: you need one displayed at the trailhead. Pick one up in Packwood or online before you go, or check the Northwest Forest Pass page for details.
- Dogs are welcome on leash: the trail allows dogs, but keep them leashed, especially in the wilderness portion, and pack out their waste.
- Start early and carry layers: October mornings at 3,000 feet are cold, and afternoons can still warm up nicely. Pack a puffy, a rain shell, water, and more food than you think you need.
- No services at the trailhead: fill the tank, use the restroom, and grab supplies in Packwood first. There is no phone service on the trail, so download your map ahead of time.
- Check conditions before you go: downed trees and washouts can happen anytime, and the first snow can close the road in late fall. A quick look at the Gifford Pinchot alerts page saves a wasted drive.
- Respect the wild neighbors: elk, deer, and black bears roam this country. Keep your distance, store food properly if you camp, and carry out everything you carry in.
Plan the day around it
Start with coffee and a pastry at Mountain Goat Coffee on Main Street in Packwood, then drive the short hop to the trailhead with a full tank and a full pack. Take the trail slow, stop at the lake for lunch and a little fishing, and save time to sit on the shore and watch the light move across the Goat Rocks. On the way back, reward the day at Packwood Brewing Co. or Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant back on US 12. If you want more of the country, the High Rock Lookout trail and the Skate Creek Road foliage drive we covered earlier this fall are both a short drive from town.
The big volcano views get the headlines, but Packwood Lake is the hike locals send their friends on: a gentle trail, a big quiet lake, golden maples, and the Goat Rocks standing guard. October is its finest hour. Come through Packwood and see for yourself.
