There are countless areas in Packwood during the winter months to access snow. Packwood is only at the 1000’ level so the snow has to be low in order to reach snow in a reasonable amount of time on some of these road. Some are plowed, some not so come prepared.
Highway 12 East towards White Pass – this is the most popular spot to go to. At the ski lodge to the right is the perfect place the sled with the kids. When you get cold head into the lodge for some hot chocolates and one of their famous brownies! Snow play can also be found across the street from the lodge behind the condos surrounding Leech Lake. The perfect place for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, winter hiking and some secret stash sledding areas!
Snyder Rd to Packwood Lake – this road is not gated and it is not plowed as well. Drive to the snowline and find a place to pull off and play in the snow. No winter park pass is required. If you can make it to the parking area it is well worth the hike in part or all to Packwood Lake. There are 2 trails. The trail head from the parking area that is in trees most of the time OR walk back down the road to the gate and the ATV trail. Hike in a mile or so for some of the most spectacular views of Mt Rainier and the Packwood valley below. This is a great spot to cross country ski or snowshoe.
Johnson Creek Rd 21 is west of Packwood of 12 – this road is not plowed as well yet it is traveled because there is a snow park up a ways where people park and snow mobile on groomed trails.
Cispus Rd 23 – Go west to Randle, in Randle go left onto 131 then go right onto 23. This road is plowed for some miles and it follows the Cispus River…gorgeous! It leads up into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest towards Mt Adams. Once in the snow there are many spots to pull over and play, sled or snow shoe.
