Area History
Packwood is located on Highway 12 approximately 9 miles south of Mt. Rainier National Park, 30 miles northeast of Mt. St. Helens National Monument and 20 miles west of the White Pass Ski Area in the northern part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The Upper Cowlitz Valley was first seen by white men, James Longmire and William Packwood in March of 1861, who were searching for a shorter route from Olympia to Yakima. Due to the extremely rugged country, they abandoned the search. William Packwood filed a coal claim and continued visiting the area, but it was not until the 1880's that settlers came to the area. Most of those followed the river upstream from Mossyrock and Randle.
These early settlers were called "squatters" because the land was not surveyed although it was open for homesteading. Most of the early settlers went "outside" to Chehalis and Yakima to earn extra income.
Early use of timber for a living included cutting cedar into "bolts" which were floated down the river to mills where they were manufactured into shakes and shingles. The first sawmill was built in the mid 1930's. Under new ownership, in 1944, it became Packwood Lumber with a crew of 12. The mill reached its peak in the 1990's with 200 employees, working in 3 shifts. As a result of environmental legislation which severely limits the harvest of timber in Gifford Pinchot Forest, Packwood Lumber was forced to close.
Packwood is the center of a traveler's dream. Winter time in Packwood boasts skiing, both cross-country and downhill, and miles of snowmobile trails. During warmer months, camping, hiking, boating and fishing lure outdoor enthusiasts to the Packwood area. Summer use of state highway routes affords easy access to Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. Favorite hiking destinations include Packwood Lake and High Rock Lookout. Goat Rocks Wilderness and the entire Pacific Crest Trail system branch out from Packwood.
With comfortable lodging, unique dining experiences and several gift shops, the welcome mat is always out. Come to Packwood. You'll love it here!
