Geology
Packwood Lake lies at approximately 2,857 feet (871 m) above sea level and about 25 miles (40.5 km) southeast of Mount Rainier. Its main source of water is glacier-fed Upper and Lower Lake Creeks, which descend from Gilbert Peak (also known as Old Snowy Mountain). The lake is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.6 miles (1 km) wide.
The lake is held in place by a natural dam. Approximately 1,200 years ago, Snyder Mountain, which borders the lake to the northwest, broke and slid down into the (then) Lake Creek valley, effectively plugging it and forming the lake. Maximum depth is approximately 160 feet (49 m). There is an unnamed island in the lake, known by locals as both Wizard Island or Enchantment Island. The island is protected by the US Forest Service and no landings are permitted there.
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