Mailbox Peak Hiking Guide
Distance
5-10 miles
ELEVATION GAIN
4000 feet
Area
Snoqualmie
Difficulty
Difficult
Permits
Discover Pass
Hike Summary
Mailbox Peak is well-known by most Washingtonians, though actually hiking it is a whole other barrel of monkeys. With its brutal elevation gain over a short amount of time, it is an intimidating adventure. Over the years, Search and Rescue teams have had to aid so many hikers that a new trail was built that offered a safer means to reach the top - though it is still just as daunting.
Today, the New Trail is the more popular route but the Old Trail remains, as does its reputation. Another option is to make it a loop, as I did, by going up one way and down the other. Both trails meander through the forest for the majority of their duration, though after they meet up, the trail opens and Mt. Rainier dominates the horizon while wildflowers lead the way ever upward.
Once at the top, you’ll realize you’ve never been so happy to see a metal mailbox in your life. Inside the beloved mailbox is a smorgasbord of items: notes to lost family members, random trinkets, words of encouragement, snacks. If it strikes your fancy, take something and leave something. Deep in the back of the mailbox I found a “good luck” four-leaf clover that I know treasure. Afterward, settle in, crack open a beer if that’s your jam (it’s mine…), and enjoy the 360º panorama that you’ve earned.
Route Options
Old Trail | 6.2 miles
From the parking lot, go past the trailhead for the New Trail and walk an additional 0.4 miles until you reach the trailhead for the Old Trail. From there, you hike a relentless vertical route under the forest canopy, crossing tree roots and doing a bit of trail navigation along the way. There are no long switchbacks to ease the journey; this is a straight up climb. You will sweat. You will need breaks. But you will make it.
At around two miles, you reach the connection to the New Trail. From here, the trail demands another 0.5 miles along a talus slope where you hike up a stony stairway. Finally - finally! - you arrive at the summit.
New Trail | 9.4 miles
This is the more “gentle” route, meaning it’s just as steep but spread out over a longer amount of miles. Don’t be fooled though - you will still sweat, you will still need breaks. But you will still make it. The trail crosses two bridges and follows long switchbacks up the mountain for about four miles until reaching the point of connection with the Old Trail.
New & Old Loop | 8-ish miles
Whether you take the Old or New Trail up is entirely up to you, though I recommend going up the Old and descending down the New, if only for the sake of your knees. I enjoyed the challenge of ascending the Old Trail and taking in the more luscious green scenery on the New Trail as I moseyed down. That said, I also see the advantage of having the elevation spread out a bit more by going up the New Trail and just making a beeline down the mountain by way of the Old Trail.
Getting There
The one easy thing about this hike is getting to it. From Seattle, cruise on I-90 for an hour or so and take Exit 34. From there, it’s a few miles on paved road until the parking lot. Easy peasy.
Trailhead coordinates: 47.4675, -121.6748
Prepare for Your Hike
View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both the Mailbox Peak (New Trail) and Mailbox Peak - Old Trail. On AllTrails, you can find information for Mailbox Peak (New) Trail, Mailbox Peak (Old) Trail, and Mailbox Peak Trail Loop.
Gear
Trekking poles: Especially helpful on the Old Trail, but nice to have going down as well.
Whether or not I plan to use them, I always pack a first-aid kit and headlamp.
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen for the top.
Beer. Smart hikers always bring beer.
need to restock your pack? Check out my guide for Must-Have Hiking Gear!
Last-Minute Tips
Bring along a little something-something to leave in the mailbox or to write a note on.
Dogs are allowed but know their limits as it’s a tough trail and especially hot in summer.
Bring more water than you think you will need.
Pssst: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you, I promise!) if you purchase through a link on my site.
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