Mailbox Peak - Old Trail — Monday, Aug. 5, 2013

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

5.6mi 1250m ascent. 2:08 up, 2:06 down. The trail offers a few challenges: Climbing up steep section of dust-covered dirt can be difficult for footing. Likewise, when the trail disappears into the underbrush and others have taken three different paths through the moss, it's easy to get lost. Surprisingly, the trail at the top follows the warnings and instructions on the map at the upper trailhead: The trail is well marked and easy to follow. During the ascent, look behind you when you stop for a breather, and it will be easier to 'remember' on the way down. Mailbox is steep, but not as steep as some others in the area. Teneriffe may offer more of an ascent, and ascending both Snoqualmie Mt and Guye Peak will give you a better, overall workout. As far as direct steepness, measured in meters of ascent per kilometer of trail, Mailbox hits 356m/km. Snoqualmie/Guye hits 390m/km, the Kamikaze run up Teneriffe is closer to 400m/km, and Putrid Pete's Peak runs near to 450m/km. If steepness is your goal, give them a try. (More data validation with later reports, perhaps).