Day Hike - Mailbox Peak

Trip

Day Hike - Mailbox Peak

Mailbox Peak via Old Trail up, group choice which way to descend. Meet at 8 am ready to go, when gate will probably be open. Be ready for snow - spikes and poles required.

  • Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 7.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,100 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 4,822 ft
  • Pace: approx 1.5 up, 2 down, slower mph if down via old trail.

8 am. Inside the gate IF it's open (it *should* be), outside if not. Discover Pass required if inside gate. Outhouse available at parking lot inside gate, though a little ways from the trail if you/we park outside.

We will meet there but if anyone wants to carpool, let me know and I can meet you anywhere on W side of I-90.

Because this is a strenuous hike with snow experience and good conditioning required, and because posting just a few days in advance, Mountaineers members only, please. Sorry, no guests.

Due to amount of snow remaining spikes AND pole(s) required. Please be in shape for 4k' gain, and be willing to descend via either Old or New Trail, depending on group wishes. (I'm open to descend either way, but if ANYONE in our group prefers descending via New, it's probably due to knees, so I suggest that's how we descend.)

Please have done at least a 2500'+ day hike with similar weight pack and a fair amount of snow recently, as in the past month, ideally.Total mileage will be more or less 7.4 miles, depending on how we descend. 

If you think you may wish to go at a faster pace than the group or want extra conditioning, please carry extra water in your pack. (Water so you can dump on the way if it's too much, or at top if you want an easier descent.) Due to the "braided" or "social" trail aspect of some portions of the Old Trail, we will generally be sticking together in those areas. Please be ready for that.

Bring enough warm clothing and snacks that you're ready and willing to hang out at the summit for up to 45 min. while we lunch and take in the views.

To get an idea of  trail conditions, please read most recent trip reports Mailbox Peak — Washington Trails Association (wta.org) and Mailbox Peak - Old Trail — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Route/Place

Mailbox Peak



  • Green Trails Mount Si NRCA No. 206S

    Green Trails Middle Fork Snoqualmie No. 174SX

    Green Trails Bandera No. 206
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Twelve (12) Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
  • microspikes
  • poles
Trip Reports