Mailbox Peak Trail (Snoqualmie) is one of the most famous and also most difficult hikes in the North Bend Area around Seattle. While it is a strenuous trail but hike through the pine forest (old trail) and views from the top are far more spectacular and rewarding.
While, I was planning my Mailbox Peak Hike, I had so many questions for which I had to do extensive research. Now when I am done with my hike, it feels imperative to write a detailed blog to guide my fellow hikers and travellers for their Mailbox Peak Trail. You take easily take a Trailhead Direct Shuttle bus from Seattle Downtown and catch the same back after you hike making it an easy day hike plan over weekend.
History of Mailbox Peak – Why is there a mailbox on the top?
When you think of Mailbox Trail, first question that pops up in your mind is – Why is there a mailbox on the top. So here is the answer – History of Mailbox Peak dates back to the ’60s when a postman named Carl Heine was working as the director of Valley Camp, a Lutheran retreat near the base of the mountain. He built a mailbox on the top, and challenged the youth to climb the summit behind the camp’s facility. To prove that they actually made it, he also hid a notebook inside for them to sign. Since then, hikers have been up for the challenge.
Mailbox on the top has been replaced multiple times and hikes leave all random items and wish letters to be discovered by next set of visitors. But this is not a real mailbox, so do not post a letter here ЁЯЩВ (Reference)
Mailbox Peak Trail – New Trail vs. Old Trail
Which Mailbox trail (new or old) should I take – was the main doubt in my mind while planning my Mailbox Peak Trail and I did not get any definitive answer even after reading online blogs. I will try to first put key differences between two trails and then tell which one did I like and would recommend-
- Old Trail is a natural trail through forest while new trail is a well paved path built by volunteers
- Old Trail is steeper while new trail goes around longer in a snake shape making it less steep.
- Being steeper, Old trail is shorter in distance compared to new trail.
- Towards the end, old trail almost merges with jungle with no defined path. But do not worry. There are reflectors on trees which serve easy guide for you to find your path uphill.
- For last patch, both trails combine for final ascend of around 0.6 miles which is pretty steep and is common for both trails.
Since I was not sure of which mailbox trail to take, I decided to ascend through steeper path of Mailbox old trail and descend through well paved Mailbox new trail and in retrospect, I think it was a good decision. Getting down on a steeper old trail with no defined path would have been pretty slippery putting strain on my knees and ankles. Also, I had pleasure of experiencing two trails in the same hike so it did not get boring while coming down. If you will ask me, I enjoyed old trail more compared to new paved trail. Mailbox old trail is like walking through the jungle amid towering trees. Yes, it is steep but it is fun too and I could easily climb up without much strain.
If you are fit and can easily run 4-5 miles in a stretch, then in my view, old trail should not at much difficult for you. So ascend through old and descend through new would be my suggestion. If you are taking new trail both ways, then cushion extra time to cover longer distance of new trail.
My Mailbox Trail Hiking Experience
As I mentioned, I took up old steeper trail for ascend and new well paved trail for descend and pretty much enjoyed both experiences. While going up, it was fun to push myself against steep slope, I almost came down running through the new trail. Here are my photographs from the Mailbox trail hike:
- Ascend through Mailbox Peak Old Trail
- Common Ascend for both trails – Boulder Patch and Wild Flowers
- Descend through Mailbox Peak New Trail
- On top of Mailbox Peak
Ascend through the Mailbox Peak Old Trail
(Go to the Top) Trailhead Direct Shuttle Bus dropped me on the main road and as I walked up to the parking lot, I found a side mud path (with a barricade at entry) that leads to the Mailbox Trail Hike. As you walk in, you find a small path to your left which is entry point for New Trail. If you walk around 300 meters straight on the same mud path, you will find entry point to Mailbox Old Trail to your left (right before the wooden bridge). There is a board put up here that warns you of high ascend and steep slopes of Mailbox Hike. Take left and here begins your Mailbox Peak Trail.
Here on, you start walking through the jungle of Mailbok peak. Though steep but old trail too has well demarcated path for almost three-fourth of initial trail, so you should not worry of being lost even if you are walking up alone. Pine tree roots help you with steps to walk up the steep slopes while towering trees provide shade thus saving you from heat.
It is towards the end that path is lost in the jungle but good thing is that all paths lead uphill and there are diamond reflectors to guide you easily for your ascend.
Common Ascend for Both Trails – Boulder Patch and Wild Flowers
(Go to the Top) Mailbox Peak Old Trail and New Tail, both merge towards the end. This common patch is no less steep and is completely open exposing you to sun. There is a long boulder patch which leads to steeper ascend to the top of the peak. With fog blocking your views, its the beauty of wild flowers that keeps you going in this strenuous ascend.
Descend through Mailbox Peak New Trail
(Go to the Top) Mailbox Peak New Trail is well paved and a straight forward path. While it was not so steep but honestly I found ti boring to walk on a man made path during my hike. I almost was running for most of my descend.
On Top of the Mailbox Peak
(Go to the Top) Once you reach the top of Mailbox Peak, you get mesmerized by the views around. Even if you get fog on the way, it clears up towards the top with spectacular panoramic views. It gets crowded on the peak but there is ample space to find a quaint corner.
And yes, you also get a glimpse of beautiful Mount Rainier, the highest peak of Washington State from top of Mailbox Peak.
Mailbox on the Top is full of all random stuff but it looks amazing and here is my landmark picture on top of the Mailbox Peak.
Mailbox Peak Trailhead Direct Shuttle Bus
While planning for my hike, another challenge was for how do I reach to the base of Mailbox Peak. Taxi would have cost me bounty and I had no company to share the cab. When I researched a bit, Trailhead Direct Shuttle Bus Service came to my rescue. Trailhead operates Shuttle buses to all major hiking spots around Seattle over weekends and holidays and it costs only $2.75 one way. Please buy tickets in advance or carry exact change as bus drivers find it difficult to arrange for change.
You can find Mailbox Peak Shuttle schedule here at Trailhead website. I took 7:45 AM bus from Downtown Seattle which dropped me at North Bend at 8:20 AM. From here, I boarded 8:33 AM bus headed to Mailbox Peak Base (dropped by 8:47 AM) and I was on my way up by 9 AM. Amazing service !! So thankful of Trailhead Direct for this Shuttle :). I followed the same path for my return journey at 3 PM.
Mailbox Peak Trail Difficulty
Mailbox Peak Trail is 11.2 miles round trip with 4100 feet elevation gain, so it certainly is a difficult trail. You need good level of fitness for this hike. In case, you had been hiking once a while, then you should be able to manage Mailbox Peak Trail slopes without much strain. If you have never hiked earlier, then please exercise caution.
Mailbox Peak Hike Time
How long does Mailbox Peak hike take? It depends on your fitness level !! For me, I started at 9 AM sharp, hiked up through old trail, spent almost half an hour on the top and then descended through new trail. I was almost running while coming down and I was on time to catch 2:30 PM Trailhead Direct Bus. There were few hikers who did it even faster than me and others were slower than me, so it depends on your fitness level. For normal walk through the new trail (up and down), I think it should take around 8-10 hours. Trail opens up at 7 AM and closes at 8 PM.
Is Mailbox Peak Trail dog-friendly ?
Yes, it is. Here is a picture of a friendly dog that I met on Mailbox Peak Trail.
Mailbox Peak Trail Map
Both New and Old Trails are marked on Google Map. Old Trail is 1.2 Miles while New Trail is 5 Miles and there is a 0.6 Miles common patch towards the end. You can find both new trail and old trail marked on Google Map here.
Key Entry points for mailbox Trail Hike Map are marked in below picture –
Tips for Mailbox Peak Trail Hike
Mailbox Peak is a tough hike and you should go well prepared. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your Mailbox Peak Trail.
- Check Weather – While Mailbox Peak is an all year open trail but still check for rain/snow. Both Old and New Trails are pretty steep and will get very slippery if it rains or snows.
- Carry Water – There is no drinking water available near Mailbox Peak Trail. There are few water streams but not sure if water would be drinkable with so many people crossing them all across.
- Few Chocolates /Lunch Pack – If you are taking new trail, then it will be well past lunch for you to return, so pack some chocolates/fruits or a lunch pack.
- Cap/Hat – While most of the trail is covered with trees but last 0.6 miles patch is completely open stretch and you will really feel the heat on a sunny day.
- First Aid Kit – Be prepared for any eventuality, so carry first aid kits. It is common to get bruises or cuts during hikes so having a first aid kit handy is always helpful
- Sturdy Pair of Shoes – Yes, A comfortable sturdy pair of shoes is your best friend for such a steep hike.
- Start Early – Despite its challenging slope, Mailbox Peak Trail is a favorite hike spot and remains quite crowded. So start early to beat the rush and have your own peaceful time on the peak.
- Keep A print out of Trailhead Shuttle Bus Schedule – If you are taking Shuttle bus, do keep a print out so that you can pace your descend both to catch next bus and also to ensure that you are on time for last bus.
We hope that this helps you plan your Mailbox Peak Trail easily. Please feel free to drop us comments in case you need any additional details. Would be glad to guide.