| Mailbox Peak Talus Slope Route |
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| Mailbox Peak Talus Slope   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Washington, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 47.46280°N / 121.6395°W Route Type: Hiking, Mountaineering, Bouldering, Scrambling Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Time Required: Less than two hours Difficulty: YDS Class II & III
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| Page By: Redwic Created/Edited: May 5, 2005 / Aug 20, 2009 Object ID: 164940 Hits: 2895 Loading... Page Score: 85.88% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach  Looking Ahead At Talus Slope...
The talus slope leading up the upper southwest side of Mailbox Peak provides a slightly more technical alternative option for potential summiters of the mountain. The talus field is best recommended during mid-to-late Spring while snow is still present on the upper slopes but the talus field rocks are exposed and after avalanche danger has considerably passed, but is an option during other times of the year, as well.
The talus field begins at approximately 4100' elevation, and variations of it continue to the summit. The Mailbox Peak Trail (standard route) traverses to the left (WNW) of the talus slope. As the standard trail can be quite rugged and muddy at times on the upper section of the mountain, the talus slope can provide a more durable alternative route.
Ascending Up Talus Slope... |
There are several distinct advantages to traversing the talus slope. First, Mailbox Peak is a very popular hiking destination. As such, much of the fragile landscape surrounding the standard route is being damaged by the large numbers of visitors to the mountain. This damage can be limited considerably by ascending and descending via the talus slope, as traveling (YDS Class II/III) on hard rocks and boulders is more viable to the surrounding landscape than damaging dirt and wildflowers. Another advantage of traversing the talus slope is to avoid rock-wells hidden by snow on and around the standard route, during periods when the mountain is snow-covered but the talus field is exposed. This scenario normally occurs during mid-to-late Spring, after avalanche dangers above treeline have passed.Route DescriptionHike the Mailbox Peak Trail until above treeline. The talus slope begins by approximately 4100' elevation. Begin ascending the talus slope, walking and boulder-hopping on the rock field. After several hundred feet of elevation gain, the talus slope re-intersects with the Mailbox Peak Trail. Climbers can either regain the official trail, or move east along the southern slopes to remain on talus/rocky terrain and then up to the summit.
 Looking Down At Talus Slope From Summit Area... Essential GearStandard hiking gear.
During periods when snow covers the talus slope, the slope (as well as the upper sides of the mountain in general) should be avoided due to high avalanche danger. Snow-covered talus is dangerous because of hidden rock-wells, as well.
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