Packwood Lake

Packwood Lake
Mount Rainier from the southeast end of the lake
Location	Lewis County, Washington, United States
Coordinates	46°35′9″N 121°33′32″W / 46.58583°N 121.55889°W / 46.58583; -121.55889Coordinates: 46°35′9″N 121°33′32″W / 46.58583°N 121.55889°W / 46.58583; -121.55889
Primary inflows	Upper and Lower Lake Creeks
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	2 mi (3.2 km)
Max. width	0.6 mi (1 km)
Surface elevation	2,857 ft (871 m)
Islands	1 (Wizard Island or Enchantment Island)

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.

The lake was named after William Packwood, an early settler.

Packwood Lake lies at approximately 2,857 feet (871 m) above sea level and about 25 miles (40 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 (0.97 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 m). The island in the lake is officially named Agnes Island, and also referred to by locals as both Wizard Island or Enchantment Island. The island is protected by the US Forest Service and no landings are permitted there.

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.