Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Nature Park)
Washington’s Undeveloped Cowlitz River Forest — 175-Acre Nature Park, Informal Forest Trails, Cowlitz River & Skate Creek Access, Picnicking Near Mount Rainier Gateway Town of Packwood
Packwood State Park (locally known as Skate Creek Nature Park) is a 175-acre undeveloped state property near Packwood, Lewis County, Washington. The park features informal forest trails, Cowlitz River and Skate Creek access, rustic picnic areas, old-growth and second-growth forest, and proximity to Mount Rainier and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Packwood State Park — known locally as “Skate Creek Park” — is a 175-acre property owned by Washington State Parks that has never been formally developed. There is no official signage, no visitor center, and no maintained infrastructure. A small parking area at the north end accommodates approximately four vehicles, and a rustic picnic area with a few tables sits south of the lot. Informal, user-created trails wind through the forest and along the Cowlitz River and Skate Creek. The park serves as a quiet basecamp stop for visitors heading to Mount Rainier or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Things to Do
Walking & Forest Exploration
- Informal forest trails: User-created, not maintained
- Old-growth and second-growth forest
- Cowlitz River shoreline access
- Skate Creek confluence area
Picnicking
- Rustic picnic area: A few tables south of parking
- Riverside setting
- Pack-in/pack-out — no trash cans
Fishing
- Cowlitz River access
- Skate Creek: Anadromous water (salmon/steelhead)
- Washington fishing license required
- Check WDFW regulations
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 175 acres |
| Local Name | Skate Creek Nature Park |
| Type | Undeveloped state property — no formal park status |
| Trails | Informal, user-created — not maintained |
| Rivers | Cowlitz River, Skate Creek |
| Facilities | Rustic picnic tables only — no restrooms, water, or signs |
| Parking | Small lot — ~4 vehicles max |
| Camping | Not officially permitted |
| Nearby | Mount Rainier NP, Gifford Pinchot NF, Packwood Lake Trail |
| Location | Near Packwood, Lewis County, WA |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Warm forest walks; river access; dry trails; long days; Rainier gateway | Mosquitoes near water; hot afternoons; limited shade breaks |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Salmon runs in Skate Creek; fall foliage; cool hiking; mushrooms | Rain begins; shorter days; slippery trails; check WDFW regs |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Green forest; wildflowers; birding; river running high and scenic | Very wet; muddy trails; high water; river crossings dangerous |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snow-dusted forest; solitude; winter birds; quiet riverside | Cold rain; flooding; trail access difficult; road may be rough |
Visitor Tips
- No signs: There is NO official signage for Packwood State Park — look for a small parking area north of Packwood near the Cowlitz River.
- Tiny parking: Only ~4 vehicles fit in the lot — plan accordingly.
- Pack-in/pack-out: No trash cans or facilities — carry out everything.
- Rainier gateway: The park makes an excellent quiet rest stop when visiting Mount Rainier National Park or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
- Packwood Lake Trail: The famous Packwood Lake Trail in the Goat Rocks Wilderness is nearby — don’t confuse the two.
- High Rock Lookout: The popular High Rock Lookout hike is accessible via nearby Skate Creek Road (FR 52).
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Nature Park) — in the Cascade foothills of Lewis County — provides access to old-growth forest and Skate Creek near the town of Packwood. The forest supports Roosevelt elk, black bears, and black-tailed deer. Steelhead and salmon migrate up Skate Creek. American dippers bob in the stream. Varied thrushes sing from the canopy. The park provides a base for exploring the southern Cascades.
Nearby Attractions
Packwood — adjacent — is a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park (Stevens Canyon entrance, 20 miles northeast). White Pass Ski Area — 20 miles east — offers skiing and summer hiking. Goat Rocks Wilderness — 15 miles east — has alpine hiking. Mount St. Helens — 30 miles west.
What is Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Nature Park)?
Packwood State Park, locally known as Skate Creek Nature Park, is a 175-acre undeveloped property owned by Washington State Parks near Packwood in Lewis County. It has no official signage, maintained trails, or visitor facilities. A small parking area fits about 4 vehicles, and a few rustic picnic tables are available. Informal trails lead through forest to the Cowlitz River and Skate Creek. The park serves as a quiet rest stop for visitors heading to Mount Rainier or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Pack-in/pack-out — bring everything you need.
Last updated: May 2026
