Mailbox Peak via the New Trail

Mailbox peak is the most infamous hike in the North Bend Area. For a while the only way up was the grueling Old Trail of 4,000 feet in 2.5 miles, but due to so many inexperienced hikers wanting to see the mailbox and getting lost or injured, the New Trail was made to reach the summit in 9.5 miles. The first part of the hike is easy with a wide trail and many bridge and stream crossings. Then the hike begins to pick up at a steady and semi-steep incline with many switchbacks, all while going through second-growth forest. The trail stays pretty damp due to the heavy tree cover. After about 4 miles the trail will eventually meet up with the Old Trail and continue to a boulder field. The next 0.75 miles get steep with another 1,000 feet of elevation to go. The hike from here gets more crowded as people from both trails meet up. The origins of the mailbox and how it was placed there are still unknown, but the mailbox has gone missing at times only to be replaced by later visitors. The mailbox is a home for food, letters, poetry, and other sundry items that people have brought with them to the summit.