Mailbox Peak — Tuesday, Jul. 18, 2023

Great day to check the mail! I'm training for Glacier Peak, so I hauled 50lbs up and down the new trail (thanks to everyone who cheered me on!) 

I got to the trailhead at 7:15, and right as I was about to put my pack on, the ranger pulled up and unlocked the gate just before 730, so I moved to the upper lot.

The trail is in fairly good continue. It's your typical rocky I-90 hike with a few easily passable blow downs. However I was very surprised at how brushy it was! This is my 4th or 5th time up and I don't remember it being this bad. A few times I had to make sure I didn't accidentally take a side trail. It also made crossing the chute up top a little tricky, because with my heavy pack, I needed to stay on the uphill side, forcing me to have to brush past the bushes (and devils club!).

The last little bit to the top sucks as always, but the views up top are great! It was a 3 volcano day with Baker, Glacier Peak, and Rainier. Thanks to the group of dads at the top for chatting with me and cheering me on! 

Also the wildflowers are top notch right now.