PARKS Atlas
A stunning alpine lake partially covered in melting snow reflects dense evergreen forests and the snow-capped summit of Mount Rainier under a brilliant clear blue sky. The scene captures the transition between winter and summer with vivid…

Washington · Mount Rainier National Park · Gateway

Packwood

Stevens Canyon south approach

A alpine lake partially covered in melting snow reflects dense · near Mount Rainier National Park

Packwood, Washington

At a glance — Packwood

Packwood is a drive-in basecamp 10.3 miles from the entrance of Mount Rainier. Services on hand: lodging, dining, and gas stations. Population around 319. No town shuttle into the park — plan to drive in and park at the entrance lots.

Distance to entrance
10.3 mi drive

Plan to drive in via the stevens-canyon entrance.

Town → park shuttle
No — drive in

Drive in and park at the entrance lots; no town shuttle ties into the park system.

Population
≈319

Small town — expect limited services after hours.

Property mix
Small inn / motel mix

Independent inns and motels; book early in peak season.

Map

Explore Packwood

Explore more

Accessibility

Accessibility — Packwood

Drive-in required — no integrated park shuttle from this base. Plan for private vehicle entrance and trailhead parking. Confirm lodging room ADA features with the operator before booking.

Lodging

Where to stay near Packwood

Sorted by tier (top picks first), then by drive time to the entrance. Confirm room features and current rates with the operator before booking.

  • Top pick

    Hotel / inn

    Tall Timber

    Packwood

    Price $$$$ Proximity 3.6 mi from gate Rated 7.0/10

    Season

    A straightforward motel-style stay in Packwood, about 30 minutes from the Stevens Canyon entrance and the Ohanapecosh hot springs area — the practical base if you want to skip the summer crowds on the Nisqually side and approach from the south.

    Find on Booking.com See all Packwood lodging

    Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices indicative; vary by date.

  • Packwood Lodge & Cabins

    Top pick

    Cabin

    Packwood Lodge & Cabins

    Packwood

    Price $$$$ Proximity 3.7 mi from gate Rated 8.0/10

    Season

    Cabins in Packwood, about 30 minutes from the Stevens Canyon entrance — this is the genuine Rainier south-approach experience, away from the Ashford lodging strip, with the Ohanapecosh area and Grove of the Patriarchs as your first stops in the park.

    Top pick for one-of-a-kind stays

    Best for

    • One-of-a-kind stays Rainier's south approach via Stevens Canyon is itself off the beaten path, and cabin stays in Packwood give you the full immersive version — old-growth forest, a quiet town, and a park entrance that most visitors never use.
    • Boutique & quiet Independent cabin property in a small town (Packwood population ~300) with an 8.5 rating — the quiet alternative for travelers who find the Ashford motel strip too commercial.
    Find on Booking.com See all Packwood lodging

    Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices indicative; vary by date.

See all Packwood lodging →

Things to do

Things to do near Packwood

We're still mapping things to do near Packwood. We'll add operators as we field-test them.

See all Mount Rainier experiences →

Camping

Camping near Packwood

Packwood has no campgrounds in town — the nearest sites are inside the park.

See all Mount Rainier camping →

Quieter alternatives

Quieter alternatives near Packwood

We're still mapping quieter alternatives near Packwood. We'll add suggestions as we field-test them.

Save on Entry

One pass covers Mount Rainier — and every other US national park.

The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.

America the Beautiful National Park Pass — the 2026 annual pass card Buy your pass → Learn more about the pass

Ships from US Park Pass. Free shipping in the continental US.

← Back to Mount Rainier National Park