Seattle Basic Alpine Climbing Conditioner - Mailbox Peak

Avy conditions were yellow/orange on the day so this hike in the woods with a final push along a well-trodden ridge was chosen.  We started a little after 8 AM and returned to the cars six hours later.  The upper parking lot is closed for the Winter, so parking was tight.  The hike in the woods was very pleasant with light snow falling.  We took the new trail both up and down.  Somehow I thought the new trail is 4 miles each way but it is actually 5.6 miles each way so 11 miles total.  Hikers in our group used micro-spikes up high.  For the final 400 feet of ascent the cold wind was really blowing and we had true Winter conditions.  We had a quick stop at the Mailbox then descended back into the woods for a longer food and drink break.  A great conditioning hike.