Mailbox Peak
Set the coffee pot to auto-brew the night before and get out of bed early because you’ll want to hit the trail first thing to beat the crowds for this hike. This is one of the most iconic hikes within a 45-minute drive of Seattle and should be at the top of anyone’s hike list, especially if you’re new to the world of hiking and looking for your first challenging hike. The trail is well maintained and starts with two miles of gradual ups and downs before reaching the switchbacks. The hike then turns into a leg burner and the incline upward continues relentlessly until you summit the peak. Once arriving at the peak you’re greeted with a lone mailbox and interesting trinkets from past hikers in addition to a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. This is a great hike to see Mount Rainier on a clear day and for foragers seeking Salmon Berries and Oyster Mushrooms depending on the time of year.
Location: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA)
Directions: Take the I-90 to exit 34 and then head north on 468th Ave SE for half a mile to SE Middle Fork Road. Turn right on SE Middle Fork Road and in 2.5 miles you will see the Mailbox Peak trailhead lower parking lot on your right. You can continue uphill to the upper parking lot to find the trailhead. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 11.2 miles roundtrip (5.6 miles one-way)
Elevation Gain: 4,050 feet
Best Time of Year: May - October
Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes (must be kept on leash)
Weather: North Bend, WA
