Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Mailbox Peak Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (63)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Seattle and Puget Sound
  4. North Bend
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“An infamous (easier) hike with a mailbox (maintained by volunteers) at the top! ”

Jackie Clark
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

9.7

Miles

15.5

KM

Out and Back

4,614' 1,406 m

High

841' 256 m

Low

3,848' 1,173 m

Up

3,848' 1,173 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

66%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Somewhat steep, and with a lot of elevation gain, but not so bad if you take your time.

Overview

This trail is an easier route up to see the famous mailbox and views at the top of a peak. The Mailbox Peak - Old Trail, also called Mailbox Peak Primitive Trail, is still there, it's just a lot more difficult than this newly-constructed trail.

Need to Know

With the new trail also came parking for 60 and bathrooms at the trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Description

The lower part of the trail contains a couple of bridges and small creek crossings, followed by several miles of switchbacks (nearly doubling the length of the OLD trail), containing a few more creeks to cross - waterproof footwear suggested. The last half-mile meets with the OLD trail to take you up the last steep ascent to the Mailbox.

From the top are great views of the nearby Granite and Bandera Mountains. As with most peak hikes in this area, the view of Rainier is captivating. Be sure to take a look in the Mailbox as visitors leave all sorts of messages and surprises!

History & Background

The OLD trail up Mailbox was a rite of passage in many ways, is still frequently used to train for mountaineering ascents. However, after numerous injuries, and rescues, and increased erosion, DNR invested in creating a more gentle trail to the infamous Mailbox.

Contacts

Local Club: Washington Trails Association (WTA)

May 1, 2025: Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, WTA is hiring, Mount Pilchuck delays, PCT bridge work

May 1, 2025: Hikers speak up and help protect state funding for trails

Apr 30, 2025: Roads & Rainier: What a bridge closure, construction mean for hikers, backpackers and campers this summer

Land Manager: WA Department of Natural Resources

Shared By:

Jackie Clark with improvements by Matt Schonwald
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 63 votes

#2

in North Bend

#161

Overall
  4.5 from 63 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in North Bend

#10

in Washington

#161

Overall
35 Views Last Month
10,941 Since May 28, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
12%
7%
75%
7%
Add a Photo

Photos

Goodies! At Mailbox Peak.
Jun 22, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Almost at the top
Jul 14, 2020 near Riverbend, WA
Mailbox Peak summit photo
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
There "she" is!
Jun 22, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Infamous Mailbox on a snowy November day.
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Last stretch up!
Jun 22, 2015 near Riverbend, WA

0 Comments

6,000 characters
6,000 characters

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 1 day ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 25, 2025
Anonymous
Jun 12, 2024
John Eun
Partly cloudy at the top — 4h 24m
Jun 15, 2023
Michael Young
Jun 1, 2023
Garret Maier
There have been updates to the trail. Rocky trail 3 miles up and rock garden for last mile. 10.8mi — 4h 50m
Oct 8, 2022
Brendan GY
Justin and I tackled Mailbox Peak
Sep 7, 2022
Tania Muñoz
Kanae Absalon y yo. Old trail ascent, new trail descent 9.9mi — 5h 43m
Jul 17, 2022
Sam Warner
5h 42m
Jul 9, 2022
Stefano Guidolin
2:07 up and 1:53 down. Though. 9.7mi — 4h 30m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Washington Trails Association (WTA)
PrevNext
May 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started