Mailbox Peak

Not too many surprises up there if you've been there before. As always MB delivered a steep and muddy workout. Not terribly scenic but absolutely fun regardless. We left Seattle at 8:30 and were back by 2pm. The trail actually looks much better than it did a few years ago when I last visited. Although the DNR has labeled "unmaintained" there clearly has been work to improve the tread and reduce the multiple trails and erosion.

Parking is generous, the first 1/2 mile is a logging road. The trail starts off easily in 2nd growth and then quickly starts ascending. 3/4 or so of it's 4000' gain is in the trees. Once we gained the ridge the wind was relentless. The wind and snow howled over the ridge with drifts as much as thigh deep.

We actually counted 25 hikers and three dogs. Hardly the little visited I-90 trail that it once was.