Mailbox Peak
Intense hike with 4,000 feet of elevation gain! Make it an out and back, or create a loop by climbing up the old trail (shorter, steeper) and descending via the new trail (longer, less steep). In the winter, something to prevent slipping is necessary at the peak. Most people carry Yaktrax or Microspikes, and some kind of hiking pole or hiking axe.
Location: Issaquah, WA
Distance: 10 miles
Ascent: 4,000 feet
Getting There
Lower parking lot
Gate to upper parking lot that is only open 7-4
Upper (larger) parking lot, with bathroom
The Climb
Trail starts by going past this second gate
Here the trail splits to the old and new trails
The best loop is to walk past the new trail, and take the steeper old trail up, then descend via the new route
Here’s the old trail
Trail starts out nicely enough
Most places the trail is easy to follow
Great pocket views along the way
The final push starts with this rockfall area
Stickers and stuff inside
At the top you find this mailbox!
The Descent
Descending via the new trail has a different feel and different stone formations
The new route is less steep
A few little waterfalls along the way
Final Route
Foliage Along the Trail
