Packwood Lake

We drove out to Packwood to hike up to Packwood Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We hiked part way around the lake for a 10.5 mile round trip hike with 800 ft of overall gain. We only saw 7 other hikers on the trail. The entire hike is in a lovely forest, going up over a ridge and then down to the lake.

Some of the seasonal streams were dry, some full of moss.

Part of the trail goes through the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

One of the streams with water still running.

There were lots of huckleberry and other bushes along the trail.

First view of Packwood Lake looking south

Wide angle view of Packwood Lake looking south

View of Packwood Lake from the bridge over the outlet

View from the bridge over the outlet looking downstream 

We continued around the east side of the lake, stopping for views along the trail at some empty campsites.

There are some large trees here.

another campsite view

We crossed a few streams with lots of luscious greenery.

Wide angle view looking westward from a spot on the lake shore at our lunch spot.

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today:

 

 

 

Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil's Punchbowl

After our hike to Pyramid Mountain, we drove up the East Bench Road on the east side of Lake Crescent to hike part way along the Spruce Railroad Trail to the Devil's Punchbow, a 2 mile round trip. The Spruce Railroad Trail is a paved trail that extends for 6 miles along the north shore of Lake Crescent.

The first mile of the trail is in the forest.

A stream coming down the hillside amidst the green ferns

One mile along the trail, before the first tunnel, we took the spur trail on the left to the Devil's Punchbowl.

The blue color of the Devil's Punchowl is so gorgeous!

Views of Lake Crescent from the bridge at Devil's Punchbowl:

more views of Devil's Punchbowl

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today: