The start of the hike is is nice and lush. We decided to hike up the old trail, which heads straight up, and come down the new trail, which takes it's time…
Lots of light and undergrowth at the lowest elevations.
Beginning to enter the darker, steeper portion of the uphill.
A good bit of the "trail" looked like this, or worse, as it shot it's way straight up through the roots.
Whew! We've intersected with the manicured new trail which has much a gentler slope.
Peek-a-boo! I see you Mt. Rainier.
Boom! Here's a talus field to cross.
The trail work that's been done here to build steps is impressive. Made for a relatively easy ascent through the rocks.
The view south towards Rattlesnake Lake and Ledge, barely visible just right of center.
McClellan Butte is off to the right. That'll be a hike for later this year when the potentially dangerous snow bridges have melted away.
Starting to get a sense that the top is approaching.
View from the top looking east. North-facing slopes are still holding onto a little bit of snow.
The eponymous mailbox atop Mailbox Peak. It was completely full of all sorts of knick-knacks.
Lunch time at a secluded spot with a view we found after traversing down the ridgeline a bit. The summit was a bit too crowded for our taste.
Gavin, Kathryn, and Zilly all looking very happy to have reached the top for lunch.
The view to the north.
