Effort/Reward Ratio...

Reviewed By: Bret Ellis on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 @ 10:38:31 AM

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Review: You should have no problem hitting your target heart rate... the first ten minutes of the hike is the only rest you will get until almost the top. After that its straight up for a good hour to two hours depending on the shape you're in. The hike is mostly brutal switchbacks through the woods for the first 3500 ft or so. (There is an elevation gain of over 4000ft in less than 3 miles on this hike). After that you pop out of the woods for a nice view of North Bend looking South down I-90. If its a clear day you might see Issaquah and Seattle too. As you continue on a steady incline you have many chances to look out on a great view of the ridgeline east of I-90 also. Eventually you come to a small trail that strays off to the right and pops out of the woods about 20 ft away at the bottom of a large boulder field. This is the way I took for variety and I'm glad. There is a fairly easy 300 yd scramble (more like boulder hopping) toward the top which is alot of fun. If you stay left and head up you will eventually come right back to the trail. From here its another 800 ft of elevation or so and about 20 min along a clearly defined path to the summit. You will know when you're there because there is a Mailbox at the top that was placed there by Fireman at the end of their climb in full gear with ladders many years ago!! I thought it was tough with just my camelback on!! Overall the views are decent but the hike is very difficult so the effort/reward ration is not a great one. Your reward is feeling good about yourself and knowing you're in better shape than you may have thought :)

A test before the Enchantments

Reviewed By: Dutch on Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 12:13:58 AM

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Great views up top, well worth sticking it out. Just set a slow steady pace and it's not that bad. If you've hiked the cable line trail on Tiger Mt., just double the distance and you'll have an idea of what you're in for. 

I'm hiking the Enchantments via Colchuck then up and over Aasgard so what better way to test the lungs and leg strength than on Mailbox!? 

A lot of people I talk to about Mailbox say they only want to hike it once. Now that I've hiked it I don't know why. It's really not that bad... and I'm a 40-year old slightly overweight tech guy.  My hiking partner was in a hurry the day we went up so I didn't get a chance to enjoy the peak, so I'll definitely go back up before the snow hits in the fall.  Sure, my legs hurt for a couple of days after this one but, again, for a middle-aged dude that's acceptable.

So, get a good night's sleep, have a healthy breakfast, stretch, put your game face on and hit it. Great views await you.

Talk about Steap

Reviewed By: Shawn on Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 09:54:15 PM

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I climbed Mailbox today. Wow, that was steap. The trail starts off easy and very quickly becomes steap. Look for the Diamond markers on the trees they will help you keep you way. There is still a small amount of snow close to the summit, but you only have to walk on snow two or three times for a couple of feet only. Not bad. Don't get discouraged but the false summits. Twice I thought I was comming near the summit. The first is when the landscape changes to smaller vegetation. This is not close to the end. The second is when you finally clear the trees for the second time.... you think you are near the end.... then you turn and see the final push. It took me about 20-25 minutes for the final push, but I was carrying about 60 pounds in my pack. You will know what I mean when you see it. This is the most challenging hike I have done, but well worth it.

Reviewed By: Julie on Sunday, June 7, 2009 @ 08:46:08 PM

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I had heard this hike was a thigh burner, and it did not disappoint.  There was a very daunting sign at the trailhead warning hikers that  search and rescue teams are often called to rescue distressed hikers .   After reading this sign, I ventured forward but with a little more trepidation.  The hike started out fairly benign, but quickly got steep.   The diamond trail-markers were key in making sure we stayed on track, as the trail became less clear.   After about 2 hours, we came to a point where we had to make a decision: scramble up the large boulders or hike the steep snow field to get to where the trail continued.  We opted for the boulders.   The scramble was very do-able.  The boulders were large and fairly stable.  The last 1/4 mile to the top was the steepest yet and a bit slippery.   Finally,the mailbox was within sight!   The clouds prevented us from enjoying the view, but we certainly reveled in our accomplishment.     Wish I had brought along warmer clothing and gloves for the top.   It's COLD! 

Reviewed By: Anonymous on Saturday, May 30, 2009 @ 09:56:37 PM

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We left trailhead at around 2.30 pm. Gorgeous day today to hike, and the summit was very pleasant (was comfortable in a t-shirt/shorts up top). No bugs, trail was pretty obvious. At the top there's still snow at the boulderfield.. maybe about 100-200 feet worth, but you could also just hike up the boulderfield or take the trail which goes around (although there's snow there too apparently).. it's slightly muddy for a short bit in that area. No flowers out yet. Ran into a dozen or more people in the 5+ hrs we were up on the mountain. Well worth the effort though.

steep but worth it

Reviewed By: Donie on Sunday, May 17, 2009 @ 09:02:20 PM

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I went up yesterday, still alot of snow at the top but the view is well worth the treck up. A little muddy @ the top but who really cares, its washington. Barley seen any one on the way up and when i did they were coming down. so i got to eat luch on the top alone for arround 45 min. Way better then my second hike of the day up Rattlesnake ledge to east peak. That was super bussy and people are less courteous to people moving faster then they are (your normal fair weatherd campers). All arround a very plesent 72 deg day. perfect for getting out in the woods.

Straight up the Mountain No joke

Reviewed By: Betsie on Saturday, February 7, 2009 @ 04:24:30 PM

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Just got back from this hike about an hour ago, my ass hurts! No sugar coating this one, it is difficult, but of course very rewarding.

Sweet hike, stop yo whinin haha

Reviewed By: Vermont Rocks on Thursday, November 20, 2008 @ 01:38:34 PM

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Mailbox peak was tough, but my recommendation is just stick with the trail.  That rock pile mentioned above is just that... a rock pile, not the trail.  Enjoy the hike, yeah it might take some time and gain some elevation, but come prepared, take breaks and enjoy it.  The success is in the trying.  Peace.

Loved it! (until the next day)

Reviewed By: Karen H on Sunday, October 26, 2008 @ 05:14:38 PM

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I climbed Mailbox with a friend in mid-July '08 and broke a sweat very early on, despite the low to average temperatures. I don't know how many times we said, "I knew it was steep, but I didn't know it was THIS steep". The trail is very diverse and is absolutely beautiful at that time of the summer when you come out into a hillside of wild flowers. Climbing up the rock slide was my favorite part of the entire hike, although my friend wasn't as sure of his footing and opted to go up the trail on the left side of the rocks instead. We made the summit in about 2 1/2 hours and the views were amazing! It was very cold and windy at the top though and we stayed long enough only to take in the view, sign the notebook, and have a quick bite to eat. We ran a lot of way down and made it to the bottom in an hour and a half, but I think that was a mistake on our part - the steepness and the pounding on our legs made my quads unbelievably sore for 3 entire days following the hike. I absolutely recommend this hike to anyone who is in good shape but take it easy on the way down!

Tough and beautiful.

Reviewed By: Josh H. on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 @ 10:32:17 PM

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This is a tough, but rewarding hike, at least if it is done on a clear day. I would imagine that without the views it would be rather thankless. Bring treking sticks. No joke. I don't usually use them, but they were nice here.

Quick walk to the trail head. First few hundred yards easy, past a nice stream. Then its up and up and up. Up is tough, but the trail is very poor quality, so you can't really move that fast. Be careful. I'm a reasonably nibble person in good shape, but I found the decent a bit treacherous, especially the short section in the woods next to the rock slide. Your legs are cold from hanging out on the summit. Lots of slippery roots and rocks hidden in a cake of mud, all at some steep angles. You can be a bit more gung ho in the bottom section.

When the trail opens up at the base of the rock slide, there is a trail to the left that follows its edge, perhaps 50 ft in to the woods. It can be difficult to see, and there were still minor snow fields in some places on July 8th. I ended up going about half way up the rock slide before reconnecting with the trail. The top section to the summit was very beautiful. High mountain prairie, flowers, and amazing views. Like I said, go on a clear day. If you don't this is going to be good for training, and thats about it.

Very hard, pleasing hike. The effort yields a nice reward.

Long Weekend Hike

Reviewed By: donbora on Sunday, July 6, 2008 @ 07:20:31 PM

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I did this hike of the 6th of Jul 2008 it was a foggy day and i hoped it would lift in the mountain, it did not :(. There is only a ten yard patch of snow that you have to go over, no problems there. The alpine meadow flower are in full bloom this is good time to do the this hike , flowers in bloom basically no snow.

Good early season conditioner

Reviewed By: Jennifer on Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 09:39:26 PM

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This year (2008) it seems mid-June is "early season."  In any event, I attempted this with a friend this weekend.  We found the part through the woods easier than expected.  It is steep, no doubt, but doable.  If you can hike Granite Mountain or Mt. Dickerson, you'll have no problem with the forested / ridgeline section of Mailbox Peak.  I wouldn't describe it as hazardous and it was very easy to follow the trail, partially because of the reflective trail markings nailed to trees.

We stopped at the large rock pile, near the top.  Many people were climbing it, but my legs were shot and the rocks were wet (and slippery) and the snow looked hazardous.  Hopefully I'll come back and climb it another day.  Because of the last section - the rock pile - I give this hike the most strenuous rating.  It was cloudy the day we hiked it, so there were views to speak. 

There is still snow covering the majority of hikes, and this one was clear of snow up until the rock pile.   It's a good early season hike.  In addition, there are no leash laws, so it's a fantastic hike for dogs.  There isn't any water after the beginning, so you'll need to bring some for the pooch.

Great Hike!

Reviewed By: samspade21 on Thursday, June 12, 2008 @ 09:36:07 PM

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Review: Did this hike just afew days ago (early June). It was amazing. Brought my two dogs and they had a blast going up the steep incline. Careful about the wind once you pass the moraine. It picked up and started snowing on me and the temperature dropped like a rock. I didn't anticipate such cold conditions at the top and it forced me to head back down sooner than I wanted. A pair of gloves would have gone a long way. Also, please note that the other posters are correct - you must have hiking poles to do this hike - do not attempt without! My blog post about the hike: http://www.bdfamily.com/2008/06/mailbox-peak-hike.html

Mailbox Peak For Rehab

Reviewed By: Anonymous on Saturday, June 7, 2008 @ 10:44:07 AM

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I hiked Mailbox Peak on May 30, 2008.

First I will say, this hike is very much worth it.  When I started at 1200 it was overcast and cool.  By the time I reached the top at around 1415 it was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature at the top perfectly cool and crisp. The views were great and the mailbox contents made for an interesting goal.

I did mailbox peak as rehab for a neck injury I recently sustained and had surgery to correct.  The hike on the way up delivered just that.  Once you start there are no easy stretches more than about ten feet in length.  I felt the way down was a tedious decent where I spent more time trying not to fall than enjoying myself or exercising.   Although I did find the first (and last) third of the hike (after the warning sign) to be the least difficult, if for no other reason than the trail is well defined here.

The Hike

Treed portion:  This portion of the hike you are simply doing your best to follow the trail.  There is absolutely nothing worth seeing here.  It is all dark forest of varying density.  While the trail here is difficult, it does not allow for a fast pace and thus is more of a strength and balance test than cardiovasucular.  For this reason you can hike straight through without having to stop to catch your breath.

Upper Clearing:  Although the hike does not get any less difficult once you leave the treed portion, I found it to be easier to stomach as I felt as though I was finally getting somewhere.  You also face a variety of obsticules here, making things more interesting.   First (when I went) you have a choice between climbing snow or a rock slide.  On the way up I chose the rock slide as I felt it would be more challenging and a bit safer.  Second you find a small winding dirt trail that takes you to the peak.  Again pretty straight forward on the way up.

Peak:  The peak was unbelievable.  As mentioned above, by the time I reached the peak it was perfect weather.  It has plenty of area to sit, eat lunch, and read the mail.  I left here at 1515.

Down:  I found the down portion to be by far the most difficult.  Since the sun had been shining on the top, the dirt trail was baked dry and thus was very slippery.  On the way down I attempted the snow next to the rock slide I had chosen on the way up.  It only took me about five feet to realized I could not stand well enough to feel safe decending.  By this time the sun had made the snow very slippery.  I retreated back to the rockslide where I again had an easier time.  Through the trees, the damp soil that had made traction easy on the way up was slippery under the jarring weight going down.   This was made worse by my still recovering neck.  I made it down at 1700 ... so five hours total.

Things To Note

I did this hike alone.  I would not recommend this as there are many sections that have a high likelyhood of injury. 

Wear appropriate gear.  Hiking shoes/boots with traction.  Water.  A phone is a must (since you are over I-90 you should get reception in places)

Go at an appropriate time.  The possibility of getting lost in the daylight seems pretty high.  Thus nighttime would be nearly impossible.

I was supprised how many other hikers I saw.  I did this hike on a Friday and saw around 20 other hikers.

Capital 'B' Route - Beautiful & Brutal

Reviewed By: H2OBoy on Monday, May 26, 2008 @ 11:23:28 AM

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Pinchy the Hobbit and I did Mailbox Peak on Sunday May 25th...

We left the trailhead at about 7:00am and made the peak by 11:00. My advice to anyone thinking of doing this route is to read the warning sign at the trailhead and take it seriously! Trailhead altitude: 868ft.  Bring lots of water!  There is no water available once you've past the small creek!

It is a beautiful and rewarding hike... I'll do it again anytime. Dragging novice hikers, kids, dogs or friends who aren't really into it is pure folly.

This trail starts with a walk up the road to the trailhead.  It then moves through a nice forested section.  These are by far the easiest stretches on this trail!  The trail then begins, almost immediately, to switch back.  The switchbacks start between 950 and 1000ft and continue to about 4100ft. We encountered snow at 3600ft, but it was easily  passible all the way to the top.  When you come out of the trees and see the moraine you'll want to stay to the left.  This moraine is extremely treacherous and unstable... head back to the left and ascend around the moraine.  Once you've topped this section a small, winding, steep traip moves up the ledge to the mailbox. 

The views you'll get  from the top are worth the punishment you'll endure to see them.

This trail is NO JOKE... it is steep and tight enough that my GPS had us stopped for longer than it had us moving... we never stopped on the trail.

If you go, have fun, a positive attitude is a must on this hike!  Some pictures can be found at www.flickr.com/H2OBoy007.