Mailbox Peak - Old Trail — Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024

We did the old trail up and new trail down. Battling some heavy soreness for me from a recent leg day & my partner is recovering from some sickness over the last 24 hours, so, it was a veryyyy slow pace but we made it. We decided to take the new trail down and save our knees at least a little bit.

We got there around 730 this morning and surprisingly, there was plenty of parking at the upper lot (the gate to the upper lot only opens at 7). The “lower lot” outside the gate was already full when we passed by but the parking across from that still had space. We made it to the top around 1015, and this was an extremely slow pace, especially for us but we wanted to make sure we would make it with the other things we were battling. Spent about an hour enjoying the view at the top. Left the summit around 1115. Got back to the bottom using the new trail around 145 (pm). When we got back down, there were some open parking spots scattered around in the upper lot and across the street but I bet it’s because people don’t typically start this hike at 2pm. It wasn’t too crowded when we first got to the top but by the time we were going to leave, we couldn’t get a picture of the mailbox with Rainier in the back without people (so definitely more busy).

Definitely felt the sun at the top and couldn’t wait to get back into the shade once we started hiking down. Great start to the long weekend! Beautiful view and there were still some wildflowers and berries throughout, but both the old and new trails had a couple pf trees across the path. The new trail had a few wet spots, but not long and not a huge slip risk. The old trail on the way up does have some portions where the trail gets confusing and you’re not really sure which way it goes, but you know you need to go up.

It is definitely no easy hike so please assess whether or not this hike is for you. I would say we are average hikers but we there was someone who made us worry for them today. The new trail is longer but more gradual and may be a better choice if you don’t think you can do the old trail but want to see the peak, otherwise, please take as many breaks as you need and go as slow as you need on the old trail; there is no shame in that!

Time arrive: 730 am (parked in upper lot)
Trail start (old): 745 am
Arrive at peak: 1015 am
Depart peak: 1115 am
Return to parking lot (via new trail): 145 pm
Gear: hiking poles & boots

Obstacles: trees down on both trails, a couple spots where the trail gets confusing/lost on the old trail, a couple wet areas on new trail but no real slip risk

Bugs not too bad, no snow.