Packwood Storage Question
07-27-17 | 10:59 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
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Packwood Storage Question
Hi all,
First time poster, but thought this might be the source for the best info. I will be doing a self-supported tour, roughly following the ACA Sierra Cascades route though Washington in mid-August.
The official route suggests an out-n-back to Paradise in Mt. Rainier NP, but I hate retracing my steps. It looks like I can do a loop, heading down via Longmire and Skate Creek Rd back to Packwood (basically the RATROD route described elsewhere in these forums).
Since I would initially be entering Rainier from the east via US-12, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a good place to store excess gear in the Packwood area, to make the loop an even more enjoyable ride. Any respite from the fully-loaed touring set up would be a godsend.
I guess I can just stash it out-of-sight along the road, but would prefer the piece of mind of someplace more secure (particularly to avoid potential issues with wildlife).
I'm from California and have never been up to the PNW, so any local advice would be much appreciated.
First time poster, but thought this might be the source for the best info. I will be doing a self-supported tour, roughly following the ACA Sierra Cascades route though Washington in mid-August.
The official route suggests an out-n-back to Paradise in Mt. Rainier NP, but I hate retracing my steps. It looks like I can do a loop, heading down via Longmire and Skate Creek Rd back to Packwood (basically the RATROD route described elsewhere in these forums).
Since I would initially be entering Rainier from the east via US-12, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of a good place to store excess gear in the Packwood area, to make the loop an even more enjoyable ride. Any respite from the fully-loaed touring set up would be a godsend.
I guess I can just stash it out-of-sight along the road, but would prefer the piece of mind of someplace more secure (particularly to avoid potential issues with wildlife).
I'm from California and have never been up to the PNW, so any local advice would be much appreciated.
07-27-17 | 07:56 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 341
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From: WA
Why not skip Packwood entirely? From Paradise, you can exit MRNP at the Ohanapecosh gate (SE corner of park) onto US-12. Then proceed directly over White Pass?
Your alternative route includes duplicative route between the Nisqually gate (SW corner of park) and Paradise. This is a very busy section of road. Doing it out-and-back is not necessary if you don't want to.
Your alternative route includes duplicative route between the Nisqually gate (SW corner of park) and Paradise. This is a very busy section of road. Doing it out-and-back is not necessary if you don't want to.
07-28-17 | 11:41 AM
#3
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Joined: Jul 2017
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Thanks for the reply!
I'm actually coming from the east via the ACA route, so prior to reaching MRNP, I will be cycling over White Pass. So, I willbe entering the the park via Ohanapecosh.
Once I reach Paradise, I will descend to Longmire and cut through on a forest road to Skate Canyon Rd (avoiding the duplicate route through Nisqually gate/Ashford) and loop back to Packwood, where I plan to continue south towards Randle/Iron Creek CG.
It will be a long day, so being able to lighten my load for the first 47 miles of the day would be useful.
Thanks agin for any help or advise of safe ways/places to stash gear.
I'm actually coming from the east via the ACA route, so prior to reaching MRNP, I will be cycling over White Pass. So, I willbe entering the the park via Ohanapecosh.
Once I reach Paradise, I will descend to Longmire and cut through on a forest road to Skate Canyon Rd (avoiding the duplicate route through Nisqually gate/Ashford) and loop back to Packwood, where I plan to continue south towards Randle/Iron Creek CG.
It will be a long day, so being able to lighten my load for the first 47 miles of the day would be useful.
Thanks agin for any help or advise of safe ways/places to stash gear.
08-01-17 | 09:14 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: WA
Understood. My suggestion to skip packwood includes going through Ashford, Elbe, and Morton. It would save you about 14 miles total and avoid some backtracking.
Your route... https://goo.gl/maps/g13wTyFqxor
Without packwood... https://goo.gl/maps/bEZXvfUuSGx
Your trip. You choose. There's a couple of ski rental /outdoor shops in Packwood. They would probably be kind enough to babysit some gear for a bike tourist if you call ahead.
Your route... https://goo.gl/maps/g13wTyFqxor
Without packwood... https://goo.gl/maps/bEZXvfUuSGx
Your trip. You choose. There's a couple of ski rental /outdoor shops in Packwood. They would probably be kind enough to babysit some gear for a bike tourist if you call ahead.
