I started this loop at the end of FS road 1266. The last 100 yards or so of the road before the trailhead to Three Peaks Trail 69 are really bad, so there is a flat parking lot area turnoff before then to use, especially if you have 2WD or a horse trailer. The trail climbs steeply; crazy steep with no switchbacks. This is a sign of what is to come. Then you pop out on an old road bed lined with daisies and a view of both Packwood and Mt Rainier. But this only lasts a half a mile or so, watch for the sharp right hand turn back onto the single track marked with a tin diamond on the tree. Easy to miss. Up, up and away you go again, until reaching the top where you cruise along the top of the ridge a while before dropping as steeply as you went up. The trail crosses through a meadow where it is very overgrown and lots of bear sign. Then up peak number 2. Maybe that is why it is called Three Peaks? This one isn’t as steep but longer and more ridge running on top. You know what comes next so i’ll spare the typing. Also be prepared for lots of blow down, especially on this last peak. I thought i had lost the trail for sure then magically I was on the Packwood Lake trail. The intersection would be impossible to find if it wasn’t for a sign high on the tree, otherwise, the entrance to the trail is pretty much obliterated by downed trees and tall bushes. I headed down the hill to Packwood Lake, which is a beautiful cruising section, shaded and well maintained. At the lake, i made a quick visit to the guard station then headed out on the Upper Lake Creek trail 81. The first several miles is along the lake which has very nice camp sites. Then it follows the inlet for a few more miles where it is a little overgrown and washed out in places too near the river. Eventually it turns and climbs up to Packwood Saddle. There is lots of water along the way and the climb is in the shade. I took the Coyote Trail 79 to the north, which is a very nice trail with great wildflowers views back down into the Upper Lake Creek Valley and Packwood Lake. It follows a ridgeline for a while, and then clings to the side of the mountain before it finally opens up the last couple miles in the trees with nice peek-a-boo views of Rainier. The trail ends at the intersection of the Packwood Lake Trail. Lost Lake is a nice side trip too. I headed back to find the elusive intersection of the Three Peaks Trail 69 and repeat the ups and downs to get back to the car. ~26 mile loop done in 9 hours fastpacking/trailrunning, but would make a great overnight with multiple camping options.