Mailbox Peak – Climbing Notes
Mailbox Peak – Climbing Notes
Mailbox Peak climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users
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(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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January 24, 2025
Tobias W. from United States
Since this has not been mentioned yet here in the comments:
There are two trails up. The old trail and the new trail.
The old trail has about 4,000 feet elevation gain on less than three miles. The new trail is about 8 miles with the same elevation gain. Both are painful in their own way. I prefer the old trail up, the new trail down.
Not everyone is able to make it all the way up. Know your abilities. 4,000 feet elevation gain are no joke, you need to have a basic level of fitness. Don't assume you can wing this with sneakers and being overweight and without any level of fitness. However, if you are reasonably healthy and fit, just take your time.
Parking at the trailhead is an issue. The lower trailhead is full by around 8am or earlier on weekends. The upper trailhead has a gate that is locked at 4pm in the winter. If you don't make it back to your car before then, you'll be locked in behind the gate for the night. There is no cell phone reception at the trailhead. Plan your trip.
In winter, there will be snow and ice above 3,000 feet elevation. You should dress accordingly, have the right foot ware and bring traction devices (spikes) and hiking poles.
I've done the peak twice so far, once in December, once in January. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning.
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November 17, 2017
Francisco from United States
Bob,
you are correct. I'm glad I didn't read Greg's comment in 2012, I was a beginner and his advice would have discouraged me.
It was a bit hard hike for me 2 years ago, but not impossible, just took longer to get to the top.
Now I can jog up to the top in about 1hr. Beginner or Pro, this a must hike to do near Seattle.
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November 06, 2017
bob from United States
Greg sounds a little arrogant. To new hikers this is strenuous. Do your research, decide if it's right for you. Ignore the Gregs of the world and get out there, wherever "there" is for you. Doesn't have to be Everest to be considered a Real Hike.
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February 25, 2012
Greg from United States
Easy to find trail up the road a bit. Not bad. Easy peak to start the season with. Others say its hard but that's because they're simple hikers not peak-baggers. Its more a light scramble then a hike to the top.
(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Tobias W. from United States
Since this has not been mentioned yet here in the comments:
There are two trails up. The old trail and the new trail.
The old trail has about 4,000 feet elevation gain on less than three miles. The new trail is about 8 miles with the same elevation gain. Both are painful in their own way. I prefer the old trail up, the new trail down.
Not everyone is able to make it all the way up. Know your abilities. 4,000 feet elevation gain are no joke, you need to have a basic level of fitness. Don't assume you can wing this with sneakers and being overweight and without any level of fitness. However, if you are reasonably healthy and fit, just take your time.
Parking at the trailhead is an issue. The lower trailhead is full by around 8am or earlier on weekends. The upper trailhead has a gate that is locked at 4pm in the winter. If you don't make it back to your car before then, you'll be locked in behind the gate for the night. There is no cell phone reception at the trailhead. Plan your trip.
In winter, there will be snow and ice above 3,000 feet elevation. You should dress accordingly, have the right foot ware and bring traction devices (spikes) and hiking poles.
I've done the peak twice so far, once in December, once in January. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning.
Francisco from United States
Bob,
you are correct. I'm glad I didn't read Greg's comment in 2012, I was a beginner and his advice would have discouraged me.
It was a bit hard hike for me 2 years ago, but not impossible, just took longer to get to the top.
Now I can jog up to the top in about 1hr. Beginner or Pro, this a must hike to do near Seattle.
bob from United States
Greg sounds a little arrogant. To new hikers this is strenuous. Do your research, decide if it's right for you. Ignore the Gregs of the world and get out there, wherever "there" is for you. Doesn't have to be Everest to be considered a Real Hike.
Greg from United States
Easy to find trail up the road a bit. Not bad. Easy peak to start the season with. Others say its hard but that's because they're simple hikers not peak-baggers. Its more a light scramble then a hike to the top.
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