Arrived at the trailhead before 9 AM on a Friday. Upper lot about 1/3 full. Hiked past the dire warnings and started up the Mailbox Peak Old Trail. First third seemed in pretty good, well-worn condition for an unmaintained trail. Second third, route finding got a little dicey. Diamonds on the trees every few hundred yards only help so much - bring your GPS! A very fatiguing portion due to the incline and constant scanning of the micro terrain to find good foot placements among the roots.
Once I broke out of the treeline, the rest of the trail up (shared with the new trail) was nice and clear. A few small snow patches near the very top, and in the eastern valley towards Dirtybox Peak, but nothing on the trail. Gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding peaks from the top.
Took the new trail back down - familiar and far less abusive on joints, especially when carrying a heavy pack. I crossed paths with several hikers on my way up who had unintentionally gotten onto the old trail on the way back down. Not recommended.
My total round-trip time was 6:15, only 15 minutes more than when I had hiked the new trail both ways last July - but I was mentally and physically spent by the time I made it back to the parking lot.
Scott's Dairy Freeze in North Bend is only 6 minutes from the trailhead. Bacon cheeseburger was the recharge I needed!
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