Lower Mailbox Peak Trailhead
Challenge yourself with a demanding hike to Mailbox Peak, where a quirky summit and stunning views await near North Bend, Washington.
Mailbox Peak is a rite of passage for local hikers, offering a grueling climb with a quirky reward: a mailbox at the summit filled with trinkets and notes from fellow adventurers [10, 17]. The tradition began in 1960 when Carl Heine, a postman and director at a nearby summer camp, placed a mailbox at the top for campers to sign a register [11, 16, 17]. The original trail, now known as the Old Trail, is a steep, direct route gaining approximately 4,000 feet in roughly 2.5 miles [12, 17]. Due to its challenging nature and resulting erosion, a new, longer trail was constructed and opened in 2014 [11, 17]. The New Trail is approximately 9.4 miles roundtrip and features switchbacks to ease the ascent, though it remains a strenuous hike [11]. Both trails converge near the summit for the final push to the mailbox [16]. Regardless of the route chosen, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Rainier on clear days [10, 12]. The peak is a popular destination, so arriving early is recommended to secure parking [9, 12]. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead [5, 6, 12].
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up quickly [9, 12].
- Bring plenty of water and snacks; this is a strenuous hike [12].
- A Discover Pass is required for parking [5, 6, 12].
- Consider using hiking poles to ease the steep ascent and descent [12].
- Check weather conditions before heading out, as the summit can be exposed [12].
A brief summary to Lower Mailbox Peak Trailhead
- Mailbox Peak Trailhead & SE Lake Dorothy Rd, North Bend, WA, 98045, US
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Driving
From I-90, take Exit 34 for 468th Avenue SE toward North Bend [9, 10, 12, 14]. Head north on 468th Ave SE for approximately half a mile until the intersection with SE Middle Fork Road [9, 10, 12, 14]. Turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road and follow it for 2.2 miles to the stop sign at the junction with SE Dorothy Lake Road [9, 12, 14]. Turn right onto SE Dorothy Lake Road, and just after it links back up with the Middle Fork Road, look for the turnoff for Mailbox Peak trailhead to your right [9]. Continue a short distance up the paved road to the parking area [9]. A Discover Pass is required for parking [5, 6, 12]. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early [9, 12]. There are two parking lots: an upper lot and a lower lot [5]. The upper lot is closer to the trailhead but has time restrictions, opening an hour after dawn and closing an hour before dusk [5]. The lower lot is not time-restricted [5]. Note: There are no public transportation options directly to the trailhead.
