Mailbox Peak - Old Trail — Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Too much enthusiasm and not enough sense made this “hike” a bit cumbersome for us on Sunday. We can only hope that Santa brings us some snowshoes over the holidays … for we love these vertical stomps. As if the the 3800-feet elevation gain on this 2-miler isn’t enough, instep-crampons and snowshoes (or extra time) would be largely helpful if you want to make it to the summit of this King County backyard beauty. The short service route that leads to the trailhead from Dorothy Road was covered in ice and made for a short slip-slip slip-sliding jaunt up to the trailhead. Lower portions of the trail were surprisingly dry and largely clear, with exception to a few passable blow downs. However, a 1,000-foot elevation gain quickly did away with notions of a clean hike and made for a rather icy mess for those not seeking adventure and challenge. Fortunately, the ice changed into 2-3 feet of snow high up and out of the trees. Safely wading through the snow was slow going, hence the desire for snowshoes. Also, as reported last week by “Rubberlegs” air pockets in the boulder field two-thirds the way up are not fun. We went around. If the snow keeps up at this rate, know the route or trust the footsteps you are following. That is, if there are any. We passed three hikers on their way down during an afternoon on the mountain. And above all … if conditions prevail, take it slow on the way back down unless you are confident in the strength of your own bones.