Mailbox Peak Via Old Trail and New Trail - Seattle, WA

May 21, 2017

Mailbox Peak hike is one of the most popular hikes in the Greater Seattle area. Since the new trail was built, it seems to have gained more popularity, perhaps, shoulder to shoulder with another popular local hike Mt. Si.

Mailbox Peak is a challenging hike, however. The trails are steep gaining 4,000' in 2.5 miles via Old Trail or 4,000' in 5 miles via New Trail. Either way, it's a tough hike; and yet, the reward you see from the top is worth the effort - sweeping views in all directions!...many notable peaks of N. Cascades and Olympic ranges, Puget Sound cities/lakes and beyond.

And yes, indeed, there is a mailbox on the top!....waiting for a mail delivery from you! ;)
For this trip report:
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-rep...

 

  Video by Lifeisamt

Mailbox Peak Old Trail, WA

Mailbox Peak has become my annual warmup hike for the last few years since my first trip up there four years ago. Last year I took the old trail up and the new trail down (easy, but a long hike!) as I was curious about the new trail soon after it was built. This time I took the old trail up and down.

The trail is in good condition and no major issue overall, except a few blow downs and partially muddy sections, but nothing to worry about. The weather was overcast when I left trailhead, but passing around 4,000 ft the sun started to break in through clouds and the rest of the journey to the summit was under a beautiful blue sky and even warm. It was such a treat to feel the warm sunshine after the hard work and almost surreal looking over the sea of clouds down below from the peak. 

Take in the view. The reward is a fantastic 360 panorama...Mt. Si, Bandera, Granite and other nearby peaks. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and other Cascades high peaks juxtapose on the skyline. Wildflowers are not ready yet. I wonder if the drought due to low snow pack may affect them. 

A couple of reminders if you take the old trail:
- Hiking poles are highly recommended. (you will regret if you don't use them....specially while you descend.) The hike is what really "steep" trail is.
- Pay attention to follow the trail markers (diamonds) on trees to find your way to the summit and back to trailhead. Those short-cutting foot prints, if you follow them instead, can be misleading, and you may end up going up or down the wrong way. 

Also, note that the road to trailhead is closed on weekdays due to road work, but it's open on weekends.

5.2 miles RT

4,000 ft gain 

Mailbox Peak, WA

No Pain, no gain. That fits Mailbox Peak. My second ascent since 2010. It's a butt kicker and thigh burner, no doubt. This hike is one of the steepest hikes in N. Cascades - 3 miles and 4100 ft gain. How does it sound?  Feel challenged, or intimidated? You'll be surprised to see so many hikers go up there...trail gets crowded. Often on weekend you find the parking lot full.  It's a bit crazy hike, though, the rewards at the top make it all worthwhile.....spectacular 360 views and wildflowers. And remember, once you reach the summit, you have to descend the same steep trail. Hiking poles are a must for this hike. There is a mailbox at the summit as the mountain is called Mailbox Peak.  5 mile long new trail is under construction now, so you won't have to be intimidated by the elevation gain soon!


Round trip:       6.0 miles
Elevation Gain:  4100 ft
Highest Point:   4926 ft