Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes
Autumn colors are visible at the lake
9 this month · 149 reports
Snoqualmie Region
The Old Trail at Mailbox Peak is mostly dry and in good condition, with reports noting loose rocks but nothing too severe as of November 4. Some intermittent snow and icy patches have been reported near the summit and on the boulder field, particularly after the intersection with the new trail, with spikes recommended for descents as of October 31 and October 29. Wind can be a factor near the summit, suggesting layers and gloves, September 26. Fall colors were noted near the top around October 5. Parking has been ample in the mornings, September 26, but a morning arrival is still recommended.
Generated from 146 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
There are intermittent snow and icy patches reported near the summit and on the boulder field, especially after the new trail intersection. Spikes are recommended for the descent as of October 31 and October 29. The summit was snow-free as of November 4.
The road is reported as suitable for all vehicles, with no issues noted in recent reports dating back to October 31.
The trail has some loose rocks, particularly on the Old Trail, but these are generally not severe as of November 4. The boulder field can be slippery when icy, as noted on October 29.
Crowds appear to be lighter in the fall season, with one report noting fewer than 10 people on a weekday in early October. However, over 20 hikers were encountered on a weekday afternoon in early November. Arriving early seems to ensure ample parking, September 26.
Autumn colors are visible at the lake
9 this month · 149 reports
Fall colors are fading, lake is low
8 this month · 234 reports
Gray jays guard your food at the lake
7 this month · 201 reports
Many mushrooms and some trail re-routes
7 this month · 172 reports
Fall color and mushrooms abound
6 this month · 118 reports
Fall colors still hanging on, scramble near summit
5 this month · 98 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
The mailbox summit is free of snow on Wednesday, I only met about 20 hikers during my hike in the afternoon. I was lucky to enjoy a bit sunshine glowing through all those clouds at the top. Bring laye...
I went up the Old Trail and down the New Trail, that seems to be the preferred route!Mailbox is Mailbox, a fun challenge and a great benchmark for me to see how my fitness is improving (or not lol). T...
A colder day to check Mail. We took the old trail up. Some snow by the intersection where the old trail met the new trail. The boulder field was a bit slippery. Around couple inches of snow near the t...
[Edit - Oct 28, 2026]: Submitted a page update and glad to see it already take effect, reflecting a more accurate distance! (9.4 -> 10.4)Mailbox Peak (Old Trail Up, New Trail Down)Old trail up, new tr...
First hike I've done. Wanted to die. Did this for fun with a friend who's also never really hiked before (we're both in high school) in old Hokas, which was dumb. Somehow the rock stair part (referred...
All clear
After a couple of long drives out to larchland, I needed a hike like Mailbox that's close to Seattle and doesn't take a ton of drive time.Main two things worth reporting today:There are tons of mushro...
I got it into my head that I wanted to do something short and steep, and I settled on Old Mailbox. I just felt I needed a challenging climax to the hiking season. I am not in amazing shape, but I've b...
My friend and I arrived at the parking lot at 630a and there was ample parking at that time.I hadn't done this hike in over 2 years and today we decided to do this, it kicked my butt!We took the old t...
The number of people I saw not carrying any water on this hike was rather concerning. Seriously people, hike unprepared if you want, that's your business, but please carry water (or better yet, someth...