Mailbox Peak Loop

Route Description for Mailbox Peak Loop

What’s in the mailbox? Besides the trail register, sometimes it’s trinkets left by other hikers, snacks, or notes. The Mailbox Peak Loop leads you to a viewpoint adorned with a sticker-clad mailbox where hikers from all over leave goodies for the next groups up. The old trail for this hike was fraught with injuries and rescues, and a monumental effort built a new, safer trail. However, the old trail still exists, and bold hikes can link the two to make a loop. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an adventure!

You can hike this loop either way, either ascending or descending the old trail. We recommend taking the old trail up as it’s a bit too steep to descend comfortably, particularly with a noticeable lack of switchbacks. Come prepared with lots of water- this trail is a real feat.

The hike begins along Middle Fork Road. You’ll walk for a bit along a paved path, skirting around a gate. A hundred yards past the gate, you’ll see the entrance to the new trail. Don’t go this way- stay right to take the old trail. You’ll soon walk past the old trailhead. Stay left here, as Grouse Ridge Way goes off to the right.

Start climbing! You’ll be gaining about 259 m of elevation per mile, and it doesn’t relent until the peak. Where the new trail has wide switchbacks, this trail does not. It’s much more direct, making the elevation gain more demanding. Watch your footing and take it slow if you need to.

The straight-up ascent goes on for about 6.4 km, at which point you rejoin the new trail for the summit ascent. This stretch is rockier, so watch your step. From now until the summit, you’ll gain closer to 293 m of elevation in 0.8 km. Keep going!

You’ll crest the peak, which sits at the end of a ridgeline. Mount Rainier is right there, and the Middle Fork valley lines the ground ahead in green.

Check the mailbox, sign the register, maybe leave a trinket, and then head down the rocky section to where the trails meet. Stay right onto the new trail, which is still quite steep, but offers some reprieve with the continual wide switchbacks. Near the bottom, you’ll cross a couple of creeks over bridges and then reach the point at which the two trails meet again, just a few steps from the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Mount Rainier

The tallest mountain in the state is a dominant part of your view on the Mailbox Peak Trail. This 14,409-foot stratovolcano is an iconic sight and the highlight of your view on this trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a mailbox at Mailbox Peak?

Back in the '60s, a postman named Carl Heine was working as the director of Valley Camp, a retreat near the base of the mountain. He had built a mailbox at the top and challenged the kids of the retreat to climb the summit and reach the mailbox.

What pass do I need to hike Mailbox Peak?

Please have your Discover Pass ready to go for this hike.

How bad is the old trail at Mailbox Peak?

The old trail was ditched for a reason! It’s very steep with no switchbacks and was a constant source of injuries and rescues back in its day. These days, it’s still hikeable, but the new trail provides a much more comfortable experience.