Packwood is a tight knit community located west of White Pass and is the last place to get a good cup of coffee before
heading up over the pass. The location alone makes it a great place to stop and stretch your legs, get a bite to eat or
just simply stop for a great cup of coffee. Packwood is nestled in amongst some pretty rugged mountain ranges
lending to its appeal. If you are ever passing that way and have a couple hours for a nice hike, I’d suggest stopping
and hiking into Packwood Lake. It’s a beautiful lake and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day, you have some
pretty breathtaking views from the end of the lake.

Then, after your hike, make your way to town and stop in at the Butter Butte for some refreshment.  Try to plan your trip so you can take a few moments to stop by and don’t forget to leave with a pound or two of their fresh roasted coffee beans.

The Coffee Cabin is an obscure little drive-thru coffee house located in Castle Rock, Washington off the I-5 freeway at Exit 49.

As I have occasion to travel frequently throughout Washington and Oregon, I often stop for coffee to brighten my day.  One of my favorite places to stop is the Coffee Cabin.  The small log building is designed to fit in with the local outdoor theme.  Because a great deal of traffic is generated by tourists visiting the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens, many of the names of their rich, decadent blended drinks were inspired by events resulting from the volcano.

The Coffee Cabin offers monthly specials on their hot drinks which can be viewed on a small blackboard as you drive up to the drive-thru window.  There are usually four offerings for the month, usually themed around a particular event or holiday for that particular month; for instance, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and the like.

Upon arriving at their window, I have always been greeted cheerfully.  They quickly take my order and set about serving up a delicious coffee drink.  They have even remade a cup of coffee when the barista felt that the humidity had made the coffee smell too acidic – (without even asking).  So far, I would have to say this is some of the smoothest coffee I’ve had.

If you have a sweet tooth as I do, the Coffee Cabin is definitely the place to go.  They never skimp on the ingredients and the drinks are always rich and decadent.  They also serve every hot drink with a chocolate covered coffee bean.  Usually, by the time you’ve completed paying and getting back on the road, the bean has melted to just the right consistency to really enjoy.

A real treat is the blended drinks that they serve.  One of my personal favorites is the Toutle River Mudslide, a compilation of Kahlua, chocolate and caramel with plenty of whipped cream.  This is a special treat I allow myself a few times a year as I’m sure it’s packed with plenty of calories, but well worth the sin.

The Coffee Cabin also offers up regular coffee, simple espresso, the traditional blended juice smoothies and milkshakes although those are not the drinks I choose to purchase.

If you are in a huge hurry, you’d probably better go some place else.  This is a small, friendly business determined to serve a quality drink.  My personal feeling is the coffee is well worth any wait you may encounter.  So if you are ever traveling in that particular direction, be sure to stop by and visit!