Mailbox Peak Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This trail is an easier route up to see the famous mailbox and views at the top of a peak. The Mailbox Peak - Old Trail, also called Mailbox Peak Primitive Trail, is still there, it's just a lot more difficult than this newly-constructed trail.

With the new trail also came parking for 60 and bathrooms at the trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

The lower part of the trail contains a couple of bridges and small creek crossings, followed by several miles of switchbacks (nearly doubling the length of the OLD trail), containing a few more creeks to cross - waterproof footwear suggested. The last half-mile meets with the OLD trail to take you up the last steep ascent to the Mailbox.

From the top are great views of the nearby Granite and Bandera Mountains. As with most peak runs in this area, the view of Rainier is captivating. Be sure to take a look in the Mailbox as visitors leave all sorts of messages and surprises!

The OLD trail up Mailbox was a rite of passage in many ways, is still frequently used to train for mountaineering ascents. However, after numerous injuries, and rescues, and increased erosion, DNR invested in creating a more gentle trail to the infamous Mailbox.