Mailbox Peak Trail

Last weekend my neighbor Tom Hurley and I, plus our dogs, decided to tackle Mailbox Peak for the first time. I thought I would share some pics and information about our hike so you can be a bit more prepared if you’re thinking about taking on the challenge.

I was initially a bit worried about making it to the top considering Tom had looked up the hike and it said that it was the toughest hike in the book! The hike is roughly 4,000 feet of elevation gain in 2.5 miles. If you’ve ever hiked up Mt. Si, it’s the same elevation gain but in about half the distance! To top off the intimidation factor we came across this sign at the beginning of the trail (see pic to the right).

Another thing that Tom found in his book was that it was recommended to have MICROspikes to wear over your shoes or boots when you get to the top since it is usually covered with snow and ice during the winter months. I’m REALLY glad he noticed that bit of information and we were able to pick them up at REI the day before because it would have been very difficult to maintain our footing without them. I’m also not in the best of shape so I’m glad I had hiking poles. There are a lot of tree roots and steep embankments so I would recommend them for hikers of all skill levels.

It took us about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to the top. Tom would have been much faster but I held him back. (Sorry Tom. ) There are lots of little mementoes and bits of paper in the mail to look at. Tom and I signed our names and the date in a book to mark our triumph. Then it took us about 2 hours to get back down so make sure you leave enough daylight to get back.

There is a small parking area that can accommodate about 20 cars.

I’ve added some pics I took and a Google map showing the location of the peak. Also if you’re interested in getting a trail map of the area it is map NO 206S of the Green Trails Maps.

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