MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The horror stories about Mailbox Peak are true. This is the steepest trail I've ever hiked. So steep, that when I tried to summit it last year in the rain, I could not get up the muddy slope. So steep, that there are hand-holds to help pull you up parts of the trail. So steep, that I literally climbed my own height every four or five steps. So steep, that a man recently died near the top from an exertion-induced heart attack.

The trail climbs 4100' in about 3 miles. There's a decent view of Rainier and the Middle Fork valley at the top, but it's the sense of accomplishment, not the scenery, that compels people to reach the summit. And yes, there is a mailbox on Mailbox Peak, filled with hand-written letters, poems, and Dr. Seuss books. Along with the mailbox is a 100+ pound, iron fire hydrant - proof that there are genetically enhanced super-humans who walk among us.

I did this one,just 3 days ago..you describe it perfectly..lol

I also did this hike with 2 friends on July 11 2006. One an experienced hiker who is about to hike up Mt. Rainier. For my first hike this was definitely a challenge. The trail was unexpected for all three of us. Very steep and difficult would be an understatement lol. The view at the top was the best part of the entire day, such a beautiful 360 degree view

August 17, 2006 8:15 PM

OK... who absconded with the fire hydrant? I went alone, and had a great time. After adding an entry to the log in the mailbox, I continued on to Dirty Harry's Peak. The weather was partly cloudy. Mt. Rainier wasn't "out," though Glacier Peak was clearly visible. My only regret was not having made a second sandwich when I packed my lunch!

Re: Yesterday's entry about the fire hydrant

It's baaack! When I reached the summit today, the hydrant was where it should be. Some kind soul(s) must have located it and lugged it back up the hill.

When I reached the summit, I was greeted by what appeared to be a ceremonial raven mask next to the familiar fire hydrant. It didn't seem at all out of place in its new home, which today had a mystical air about it, wrapped in clouds as it was. On the way down, going through the forest, I passed a mature black bear ambling up the hill on my right. It didn't acknowledge me. I was tempted to say something to it, but the language gap being what it is, it's probably for the best that I kept my peace.

No bears today... just a friendly squirrel and some birds. Also, no hydrant (again) and no raven mask. Perhaps these things fade in and out of the same dimension where missing socks and writing implements go.

I brought my camera today - a good decision. The volcanos were hiding in the haze, but the view was still spectacular. It's supposed to rain later this week, so the first sunny day after that should be great for photography. I'll be back!

Due to a battery-related problem with my camera (no, I didn't forget to charge it), I was unable to take advantage of the improved shooting conditions brought about by yesterday's rain. I still had a great hike.

While chatting with some guys at the summit, the subject of the missing fire hydrant came up. They told me that firemen from the Training Academy on Grouse Ridge regularly tote hydrants up and down the hill as an exercise. It sounds reasonable. Can anyone out there corroborate this?

The weather today was ideal for hiking, but not for scenic photography. After several days of warm, dry weather, even nearby Si and Teneriffe had lost much of their their lustre to the haze. Visibility was considerably better two days ago, when I hiked Mt. Si. After getting more-or-less accustomed to hiking Mailbox, the thing that struck me about the Mt. Si trail was how flat it seemed. The Haystack helped me get over that "ho-hum" feeling though, and the view from Si was, as usual, a real feast for the eyes. For those of you who are just itching to tell me to take the old Mt. Si trail next time, there's no need... I will.

I thoroughly enjoyed today's hike, trimming about 15 minutes off of my usual time each way, and for the first time feeling like I could turn around and do it again the same day. In all seriousness, I'll have to give that a shot sometime (preferably before winter sets in).

This hike has turned into a twice-a-week affair, and I've started my own blog to record my journeys up and down the hill:

http://www.MailboxPeak.com

My compliments to John and Kristie on their outstanding site! Keep on bloggin'!

Have read about this trail for some time....and finally decided to climb it last Saturday,Oct.21. great time ,and still feel my legs two days later; sure is steep ,but it was well worth it and inspiring at the summit. Beautiful fall day...