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 

Multnomah Falls - Portland, OR

Multnomah falls is one of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls I've ever seen. It's located just a 30 minute drive east of Portland. The waterfall is the second highest (611 foot tall) in the country and draws over 2 million visitors very year. 

You can trek up to the bridge for a closer view of the waterfall, or hike up all the way to the top (0.8 miles) where you can see and feel the magnificent beauty and power of Multnomah falls. There is also a lodge (Multnomah Falls Lodge) at the base of the waterfall and it has a restaurant, gift shop, and visitor information. 

There are over 70 waterfalls in and around I-84 corridor of the Columbia River Gorge. In fact, I parked at Wahkeena falls (0.6 miles west of Multnomah falls) and hiked Wahkeena falls trail to Multnomah falls because Multnomah falls parking lot was full with a half mile long traffic. 

By the way, if you have read the book or seen the film "Wild", Bridge of the Gods is not so far from Multnomah falls for a side trip (about 15 minute drive I-84 east of Multnomah falls). Who knows you might be inspired to hike PCT!

Mt. Ellinor - Olympic Peninsula, WA

Obviously, this hike is so popular that parts of the trail could get congested with traffic. Also, I was surprised to see many family hikers with small children trekking up all the way to the top. Believe me, this is NOT an easy hike. In fact, it's rather strenuous. And yet, it's worth the effort. 

I started my journey from Upper trailhead which climbs about 2,500 ft in 1.6 miles. It starts out with a series of merciless switchbacks through the forest.....some of the trees are really TALL! Once the tree line thins out, rocky trail begins, which eventually makes you feel like a mountain goat. It certainly kicks your butt! 

To speak of mountain goats, I saw five of them in this hike. They seem to be good-natured, but it is advised to stay calm and keep a safe distance from them. You never know how aggressive or even lethal they can be. After all, they are wild animals. 

When it's a clear day, the view from the summit is spectacular. Wild flowers are just beginning. I saw glacier lilies for the first time in this season.

 

3.2 miles RT (Upper trail)

2,500 ft elevation gain

 

Palouse Falls, WA

Several years ago, I read an article in the National Geographic magazine about a kayaker who made a 186-foot decent of Palouse Falls....the record setting run.

Ever since, Palouse Falls was on my bucket list. This past weekend, I finally made it. It took a little over 4 hrs from Seattle to get to Palouse Falls state park. The waterfall and the surrounding landscape are stunning. You can view the waterfall from the overlook by the parking area and also from other vista points along the trail. You can also hike down to the river and follow the stream to the top of the waterfall where Castle Rock stands. It's a long drive from Seattle, but worth for driving that distance to see/hike Palouse Falls and the amazing landscape created by glaciers eons ago. If you don't have Discover Pass, there is a grassy dirt field before the park gate where you can park. Two thumbs up!

2miles RT
800 ft gain