All uphill

Reviewed By: Milt on Saturday, July 23, 2011 @ 08:20:17 PM

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As of July 2011, you need a state Discover Pass to park at the trailhead. There is only one place in North Bend at the moment to get one and that is at the local Ace Hardware. There is no sign at the parking lot that says "Mailbox Peak", you just have to know it's the right place. It seems that the first mile was somewhat civilizied by a trail crew a while back, but don't let that fool you! It gets steeper, muddier, and then you realize that you are pretty much on your own following reflective diamond markers. If you are not a crazy fitness nut, I HIGHLY suggest that you use trekking poles to keep yourself upright and not face planting on rocks and roots. The trail is a basic scramble up a hillside. You gain altitude with every step. 98% of the trail is on an incline of some sort.

The "rockpile" is your first hint that you are getting close. The trail goes around this obsticle, but it's just as bad as if you were climbing the rockpile. Once you get above the rockpile and out of the trees, you can see the top (if you know where to look). The famous mailbox comes into view anbout 20 yards from the top. Once there, you get a awesome 360 view. Sign the book inside the mailbox, but save the beer stashed inside for someone more needy. Some show-off left a 50 pound weight at the top! I ran into 4 people on the way up and 10 on the way down. It took me 3 hours to get to the top and the same to get down. The trekking pole were a lifesaver on the way down. It kept me from getting muddy & bloody. 

Great climb if you are getting ready for Rainier or St. Helens.

It'll take you by surprise

Reviewed By: Corrine on Sunday, August 15, 2010 @ 10:52:54 PM

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Wow! What a hike. I went with a few friends that had done it before, so I was warned, but nothing will prepare you for how steep it actually is. You think it's bad and then it gets worse about half mile in. It was a hot day and I went through two CamelBaks so be sure to bring lots of water if it's going to be warm. Trekking poles are a MUST in my opinion, but there are always good hiking sticks that hikers leave around to use also.

On a clear day in the summer, you'll have no trouble finding the trail, but just no there is no actual "trail" that you have to follow. We blazed our own for a while. There are 2 false summits, and it doesn't really help your motivation, but once you break out of the monotonous trees, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Rainier (that's when you know you're almost there!... sort of) and the surrounding areas. We were able to see all the way to Seattle and Mts Stuart and Baker. It was gorgeous. Definitely worth it.

Watch out coming down though. I'm no experienced hiker but I've done my fair share of treks and this was by far the worst trip down. I was scrambling the whole way. The best way is to skip/hop down and use trees to stop your momentum. That is, unless you really enjoy having your knees and thighs ache and tremble at the bottom. Rinse off in the stream at the bottom too, it's very clean and very refreshing after a long, hot hike! Bring food too, you'll need it!

Challenging

Reviewed By: Anonymous on Friday, July 23, 2010 @ 04:47:28 PM

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We did Mailbox Peak after work yesterday. Our group was able to meet up at the parking lot by 5 and then we headed up. This was certainly the steepest trail that I have done. With exception to the first 1/4 mile or so, the hike feels like doing the stairmaster at the gym for 2 hours. Constant climbing. As others have said, the wooded area, which you are in for most of the trail, provides little to look at. I'm sure the views at the top would have been amazing, but the cloud cover we ended in was too think to see much more then a couple hundred feet below. I will say though , the wild flowers along the last push on the top of the trail were gorgeous! The mailbox at the top was fun. I was definately glad we brought our doen jacket for the top though..Brr! The decent, was long and steady, and probably the most challenging part...I highly reccommend bring along trekking poles.  

2-3ft new snow

Reviewed By: Abe and Puckett on Thursday, April 1, 2010 @ 10:40:36 PM

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My 18lb terrier and I did this hike early today. Though the incline is a nice workout even for an experienced hiker, I have to admit the trail was a bit boring as peaks go. The first 3700ft or so are in totally enclosed forest without many views. Once you break out it is beautiful with snowfilled views of the Snoqualmie Pass region. This week brough 2-3ft of snow in the area and the trail was snowy 75% of the way.

At the false summit the trail ended. Feet sunk in up to the waist with every step and you risked injury slipping on the boulder field below the snow level.

Good hike for exercise, boring hike most of the way. If going in snow season try not to go after a storm so you won't have to plow your own trail. And pick a CLEAR DAY!

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.