Conquer Mailbox Peak
You didn’t come to Snoqualmie to stay indoors. Why not tackle one of Washington’s most popular trails?
Named after the letter drop planted at its summit, Mailbox Peak towers nearly 5,000 feet above the Middle Fork Valley. It’s famous for its sweet views, but notorious for its bite; whichever of its two trails you pick, you’ll be in for a challenge.
A new trailhead, opened in 2014, leads hikers along a roughly 4.7-mile path, gaining 850 feet of elevation per mile. That might sound tough, but consider the alternative: The old trail, although shorter, is considerably steeper.
After climbing 3,860 feet, both routes merge for the final ascent — 960 feet of elevation change packed into a half-mile scramble over a boulder field. Great challenges merit great rewards, however, and Mailbox Peak is no exception.
Panoramic vistas abound. Mount Rainier is clearly visible in the distance. Generous climbers frequently leave beer inside the mailbox. Crack one open, and toast to a job well done.
