Packwood Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Packwood Lake
image_lake = Mt_Rainier_from_Packwood_Lake.jpg
caption_lake = Mount Rainier from the southeast end of the lake
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Washington
coords = coord|46|35|9|N|121|33|32|W|type:waterbody_region:US-WA|display=inline,title
type =
inflow = Upper and Lower Lake Creeks
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length = 2 mi (3.2 km)
width = 0.6 mi (1 km)
area =
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 2,950 ft (900 m)
islands = 1 (Wizard Island or Enchantment Island)
cities =

Packwood Lake is a freshwater lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. It is located near the town of Packwood and is a popular day hiking and overnight camping area. The southern half of the lake lies within the Goat Rocks Wilderness area.

Geology

Packwood Lake lies at approximately 2,950 feet (900 meters) above sea level and about 25 miles (40.5 km) southeast of Mount Rainier. Its main source of water is glacier-fed Upper and Lower Lake Creeks, which descend from Gilbert Peak (also known as Old Snowy Mountain). The lake is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.6 miles (1 km) wide.

The lake is held in place by a natural dam. Approximately 1,200 years ago, Snyder Mountain, which borders the lake to the northwest, broke and slid down into the (then) Lake Creek valley, effectively plugging it and forming the lake. Maximum depth is approximately 160 feet (49 meters). There is an unnamed island in the lake, known by locals as both Wizard Island or Enchantment Island. The island is protected by the US Forest Service and no landings are permitted there.

Biology

Packwood Lake is home to a genetically distinct species of rainbow trout. This trout has evolved for over a thousand years, separated from other populations of fish. It is known for its excellent taste, large size, and drab creamy coloring. Due to many years of stocking, however, the fish is becoming less and less prominent as its gene pool becomes diluted by stocked fish.

Also calling this lake home are several species of birds, including heron, bald eagle, and wood duck. Black bear are also fairly common, as are deer, elk, raccoon, cougar, and (in the higher elevations above the lake) mountain goats.

History

Packwood Lake has been used for several thousand years by Native Americans as summer quarters and hunting territory. Due to extremely cold winters and subsequent heavy snows, the area is considered largely uninhabitable during the winter.

Prospectors thoroughly searched the area of the lake in the early 1920's. Although some gold and silver was found, the small quantities and remoteness of the area proved mining to be not economical.

Economy

Packwood lake was dammed by man in 1964 to produce electricity. There is a small 27 megawatt dam at the foot of the lake which has taken over the job of holding back the lake from the Snyder Mountain landslide. Great care was used when designing and building the dam so as not to affect the abundant wildlife that calls the lake and surrounding area home.

Water from Packwood Lake is also piped to the town of Packwood and supplies the greater Packwood area.

Recreation

Packwood lake is a popular hiking destination for both day hikers and campers. The trail leading to the lake, Packwood Lake Trail #78, is also a popular entrance to the Goat Rocks Wilderness and surrounding area. The lake is also used as a stopping ground for travellers headed to Mosquito and Lost Lakes to the north, and Gilbert Peak to the southeast.

An all-terrain vehicle trail (the 'low trail') was completed some years ago and offers ATV and horse access to the lake. The 'upper trail' is reserved for hikers only, though many people ride horses on it and deposit trail apples for hikers to step in. Both trails, upper and lower, are approximately 5 miles (8 km) to the lake from a well-maintained and paved parking lot. Continuing past the lake, hikers are offered hundreds of miles of trails covering breathtaking scenery, and the Pacific Crest Trail may be reached about 7 miles (11.3 km) beyond the lake.

Due to the severe winter storms of late 2006 and early 2007 the lower trail is currently closed to ATVs. Check with the local wildlife centers to learn of its availability.

The lake itself is a very popular fishing hole and may be fished from shore or paddle boat (motors are prohibited). Additionally, fishing with bait is prohibited (lures only) and all lures may contain only a single barbless hook.

There is a ranger station at the lower end of the lake that is staffed from late May to early September.