Mailbox Peak [New Trail] - Snoqualmie Region

Elevation Gain: 4000 ft

Roundtrip distance: 9.4 miles

Discover Pass needed

Getting there: Driving at a legal speed, the Mailbox Peak parking lot is roughly 50 minutes from campus (40.3 miles) via I-90 E and 15 minutes away from the North Bend Starbucks.

Trailhead: If you park on the bottom of the road, just continue walk up the hill and the trailhead sign is on your left. If you park in the upper lot, head towards the parking lot entry point, make a right and in a couple paces the trailhead should be on your left. The upper parking lot requires the Discover Pass and has a restroom available for those with weaker urinary sphincter muscles.

On the trail:  The new trail starts with long, gradual switchbacks before the switchbacks slowly get shorter and steeper. The trail breaks from the trees to a hill of large rocks assembled like a staircase before the last steep push to the peak.

Budgeting your time: At a steady pace, it took around 2 and half hours to get to top and around 2 to get back down due to the number of switchbacks on the new trail. If you are feeling like you got something to prove or would like a quick ascent, the famous old trail remains an option. The old trail intersects with the new trail towards the top but clocks in around 5.4 rather than 9.4 miles.

ORP suggestions:

Spring/Summer: The new trail is well maintained and covered for the majority of the first 4 miles, therefore all you should need is sturdy shoes, water and the most treat-yourself snack imaginable for the peak. Start early on sunny Spring or Summer days to beat the crowds!

Winter: In the early winter, this trail remains open but requires some extra gear to ensure traction up or down Mailbox Peak. Microspikes or snowshoes along with careful monitoring of avalanche conditions are highly recommended for an early winter scramble.

Additional Tips:

If sweat from a challenging hike reminds you of your love for fast food grease, head over to Herfy’s Burgers and BBQ in North Bend for a $3 burger from a generally disinterested restaurant staff before heading back to campus.