🌤 Weather at Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Park) by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–67 °F | 48–80 °F | 35–74 °F | 31–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Packwood, 0 mi away, elevation 1,060 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, The Lodge at St. Edward is within about an hour’s drive, and Tilton River State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Park)
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Park)?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Packwood State Park (Skate Creek Park)
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
