The little trail that could: Mailbox Peak Trail mentioned by President Obama

REI’s CEO Sally Jewell not only hikes Mailbox Peak Trail, she also volunteers to help build the new sustainable trail. Check http://www.dnr.wa.gov/volunteer for volunteer opportunities. Photo: Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

The Mailbox Peak trail on DNR-managed lands was mentioned in the national news when President Obama commented on his appointment for Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell:

“I’m willing to bet that she’ll be the first secretary of the Interior who frequently hikes Mailbox Peak in her native Washington state, and who once spent a month climbing mountains in Antarctica — which is just not something I think of doing.”
Source: USA Today

Hiking to the top of Mailbox Peak is a certainly an accomplishment. Nestled in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), the trail has an elevation gain of 4,000-feet in just 2 miles and boasts beautiful views from the top. Unfortunately, many have stayed away because of safety concerns and environmental damage on the trail (read more)

Hiker Catherine Hovell signs the trail log at the top of Mailbox Peak. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the help of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, broke ground on a new trail and trailhead in July 2012. It is being built with safety and sustainability in mind. DNR looks forward celebrating the completion of this project next September.

Stay up to date and on this and other DNR recreation related projects by joining our recreation e-newsletter.

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Safety first at Mailbox Peak in Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Can you imagine going to your favorite hiking spot, taking a wrong turn, and getting stranded overnight? A few weeks back this happened to hikers descending from Mailbox Peak in Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), just outside of North Bend in East King County.

The Mailbox Peak Trail gains 4,000 feet elevation in  miles. Photo: DNR

Hikers are drawn to the beautiful forests, streams, wildlife, and views of Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area from the Mailbox Peak Trail, but many have stayed away because of safety concerns and environmental damage on the trail.

The current trail is very steep, with a 4,000-foot elevation gain in just 2 miles. This grade causes significant erosion along with dangerous conditions where hikers can become injured or lost.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the help of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, has broken ground on a new trail and trailhead that is being built with safety and sustainability in mind. DNR looks forward to hosting a celebration for the completion of this 18-month project on National Public Lands Day, September 2013.

So, what can you do? Here are three things you can do today to stay safe on the trails—and also lend a hand.

1. Safety is always first. No matter the length of your hike, always make sure you tell someone where you are going and pack the ten essentials.

2. Get dirty! Get your hands dirty and volunteer to help build the new trail at the following work parties:
•  July 28
•  August 11

Be sure to register beforehand with Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

3. Speak up. Mailbox Peak is in the Snoqualmie Corridor recreation planning area that is currently underway with the help of a citizen-based planning committee. We are asking for feedback on what recreation opportunities the public would like to see on DNR-managed state trust lands and conservation areas within the corridor.

Read the blog for more details and take a few minutes to fill out the survey.

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YOU can make a difference. Volunteer for National Trails Day,® June 2!

Volunteers making a difference on National Trails Day 2011. Photo: Ray Lapine

Are you ready to make a difference and get some fresh air? Join DNR on June 2 and participate in a national movement to celebrate trails.

On National Trails Day,® formed by the American Hiking Society, you can celebrate trails and make a difference by volunteering with DNR and our partners at events across the state.

 

Where can YOU make a difference?
Check out one of our DNR-sponsored events: (events passed)

• Yacolt Burn State Forest – Maintain trails on the Cedar Creek Falls Trail
• Elbe Hills State Forest – Enhance horse trails and Sahara Creek Campground
• Middle Fork NRCA – Celebrate and listen to remarks by Commissioner Goldmark and Sally Jewell
• Mailbox Peak – Participate in new trail construction
• Bradley Bike Trails – Improve trails on the Olympic Peninsula
• Tiger Mountain State Forest – Break ground on new bike trails
• Blanchard Forest – Recover trails on the Lower Trailhead
• Capitol State Forest – Get dirty and install culverts on motorized trails
• Capitol State Forest – Lay gravel on new Equine Loop Trail

We’ll see you on the trails!

Volunteer events are happening all the time! Check out our volunteer calendar for a complete listing.