First Timers Guide to the Best Things to Do in Packwood

Located squarely between Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens, Packwood, Washington, invites visitors to get out and explore the stunning nature and landscapes of the iconic Pacific Northwest. Wander exquisite hiking trails, cast a line in a mountain stream, ski down a winding slope, or just explore the unique communities that make up this area.

With this first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in Packwood, we’ll take a look at one of those communities – the one we’re lucky enough to call home. Here, you can easily access nearby state parks and ski areas, learn history at local museums, and mingle at popular breweries and events. As you plan your upcoming getaway, use this guide to map out your must-do activities and get ready for a vacation you’ll want to repeat year after year. 

Packwood Location and Climate

Named after Virginian pioneer William Packwood, this tight-knit mountain community is conveniently located two and a half hours south of Seattle, near the Tatoosh Wilderness. With proximity to national parks and popular recreation areas, it’s a go-to vacation spot for those looking to experience the great outdoors.

Seasonally, temperatures range from the low 20s to mid-50s from March to May, offering cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Rain is common, especially in April, which leads to an explosion of wildflower colors by late spring/early summer.

From June to August, expect temps in the upper 30s to mid-70s, making even rigorous hikes comfortable and enjoyable. September to November usher in fall with changing leaves and averages that span the mid-20s to low 60s before the brutal cold of winter officially settles in, bringing plenty of snow to places like the nearby White Pass Ski Area. From December to February, you’ll want to bundle up. Highs are typically in the teens and rarely leave the 30s.

Nearby Packwood Attractions

The most popular things to do in Packwood center around enjoying nature, and once you see how beautiful it is here, you’ll understand why. When it comes to exploring, here are the must-visit spots:

Mount Rainier National Park: Packwood is the best home base for exploring Mount Rainier National Park as it’s almost directly between Paradise and Sunrise, making it easy to visit the most popular park areas. Enjoy epic hikes, wildlife areas, mountain lakes, and more. Or check out our perfect 2-day park itinerary.

White Pass Ski Area: In the winter, skiers flock to White Pass Ski Area for days of fun carving paths down the Paradise Basin. Packwood is located just 20 minutes from the summit, making it a popular home base for family ski trips. Not a skier? No problem! You can enjoy snowshoe tours or visit Tubing Hill for exhilarating innertube races down the slopes. Lessons and rentals are also available for both skiers and snowboarders.

Cowlitz River: Known for steelhead trout, salmon, and cutthroat trout, the Cowlitz River is great for year-round conventional and fly fishing. Or you can take it easy and float from Cora to Cowlitz Falls! Keep in mind you’ll need a fishing license for Washington State. You can purchase them online, but note they take around 10 days to process.

Mount St. Helens: Three hours from Packwood, Mount St. Helens is an active volcano that is more than worth the drive during your visit. Hike to the summit, explore a cave system, or explore nearby trails that offer expansive views of nearby lakes and mountain ranges.

Things to Do in Packwood

While it’s easy to spend all your time exploring the parks and recreational areas around Packwood, don’t forget to check out the town itself! Though it’s small, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

At the White Pass Country Historical Museum, you’ll learn about everything from the pioneer history of the town to the Native American tribes that called this land home long before Lewis and Clark ever stepped foot in these mountains. The Packwood Mercantile celebrates local makers and town history, offering a vast selection of books, clothing, candles, foraged cocktail kits, and so much more.

You can mingle with locals as you grab a drink or bite at the Packwood Brewing Co. or the Mountain Goat Café and hit up the beloved Ice Cream Airstream when you need a sweet treat to cap the day. When you’re not relaxing in your Packwood vacation rental, be sure to visit these top spots and experience a bit of the charm that makes Packwood so special.

Annual Packwood Washington Events

Beyond the shops and restaurants that tie the community together, Packwood has a few popular annual events you’ll certainly want to add to your calendar. In early May, the Packwood Mountain Festival helps ring in the start of summer with a weekend of live music, food vendors, fun runs, and more.

On Labor Day Weekend and Memorial Day Weekend, the Packwood Flea Market rolls out the goods for what’s known as the most popular flea market in the Northwest. For four days, you can shop more than a mile of booths featuring everything from clothes and home goods to vintage vinyl and antiques.

In the summer, from June to August, Music in the Park’s popular Saturday concert series showcases local and regional acts. This free musical event is the perfect opportunity to get to know the locals during your stay. Food and other vendors are on-site, so all you need is your blanket or chair and some time to relax.

Where to Stay in Packwood

When it comes to Packwood rentals, TMC Vacation Rentals has exceptional cabins that are perfect for your family or group. Choose from pet-friendly homes or cabins with hot tubs, or browse our entire Packwood inventory to find the right spot for you!

When you do find your dream getaway, remember to save money by booking directly with us. As the property manager, we’ll never charge you the third-party fees you get with Airbnb or VRBO. Plus, you get the bonus of having a direct line of contact with people who live in Packwood and know the area. Our team is available to help you plan itineraries, pick a restaurant, or coordinate any piece of your vacation.

As you learn about the PNW and all the things to do in Packwood, we hope to welcome you to our slice of paradise soon!