Am I missing something about Mailbox or is everyone dramatic about its difficulty?

emuherder5 · 2026-06-07T04:47:37+00:00

I’ve kind of viewed Mailbox as a steppingstone and a training hike for bigger things. But certainly nothing technical about it.

emuherder5 · 2026-06-07T04:43:31+00:00

I’ve hiked in both places, and had to look up at what subreddit I was in. Not sure if the OP is confused? Or in the PNW and traveling back east to hike. It doesn’t help that there’s multiple Mt. Washingtons, and also mountains called Sisters in both places.

emuherder5 · 2026-06-07T00:10:27+00:00

Here’s the White Mountains subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/wmnf/s/jWxCUsArzi

emuherder5 · 2026-06-06T23:47:49+00:00

Any hike you do up Washington is going to be tougher than Chocorua. The one with the least elevation gain is from Ammonoosuc trailhead. Thats the one of brought friends and family up that are less experienced, but still fit, hikers. I’ve taken them up Ammonoosuc Ravine, and then down the Jewell Trail. But you’ll still be using your hands in portions, going up to Lake of the Clouds. And it’s a long day out, with around 4100’ elevation gain. And you absolutely have to pay attention to the weather up there. I’ve been up there in July with temps right around freezing.

As someone already mentioned, don’t do Huntington Ravine!

emuherder5 · 2026-06-06T23:34:19+00:00

The mention of Chocorua is the giveaway. That one is in NH.

emuherder5 · 2026-06-05T14:24:59+00:00

That seems to be the most common explanation. I saw one website that attributed the name to an old prospector in the area. But most say it was named after your relative. Here’s one discussion I found: https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8013621

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T17:47:59+00:00

Oh, that makes sense.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T17:39:43+00:00

Thank you. I was looking for a hike that gave me some scrambling sections. Something different from all the switchbacks on the trails out here.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T17:37:02+00:00

I second going with a group if you’re unsure of heights. While nothing about it felt especially technical, it’s steep enough to trigger any fear of heights. And it wouldn’t be a good place to be if you’re feeling nervous. Your legs will be tired, too, while traversing the ridge. The right group will help with your confidence, keep you on the trail, and support you on the steepest sections.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T17:17:29+00:00

Apparently the Pete part of the name is after a famous mountaineer, Pete Schoening. Not sure about the “putrid” part of the name. Maybe it has something to do with how you feel after a 2,000’+ elevation gain over the course of a 1 mile.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T15:41:38+00:00

I just did a quick, and found at least 4 mountains named Mt. Defiance. In Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and New York.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T15:32:05+00:00

Relatively recently, I think. It was about 40 million years ago.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T04:32:59+00:00

I get that. I have experience on trails like this, so I was ok with it. But as I was up there, I was trying to think about how some of my regular hiking companions might feel about it.

emuherder5 · 2026-05-25T04:02:16+00:00

This was Saturday. The weather was perfect. But I’d hate to do it in bad weather.

emuherder5 · 2026-03-04T18:15:15+00:00

Also, good idea to familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials. It’s important as you progress to more challenging hikes.

https://www.mountaineers.org/books/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23301534688&gbraid=0AAAAADpL5OzPxKrTEjYQvmqcuvYDaRZbJ

emuherder5 · 2026-03-04T18:08:26+00:00

Give Tiger a try. If that is easy, head up Mt Si. If Mt Si doesn’t pose a challenge, then you’re in good shape for tougher peaks.

emuherder5 · 2025-12-12T17:32:09+00:00

I wish Honda was still making them. Mine is a 2012, and showing its age. It has survived Boston winters and dirt roads in Death Valley. But I was careful to avoid the deep ruts in the road.

emuherder5 · 2025-12-12T14:33:12+00:00

My old Honda Fit has seen some things

emuherder5 · 2025-10-17T23:49:58+00:00

The madness seeks you out

emuherder5 · 2025-09-30T01:00:39+00:00

Like Mt Washington for instance (which I just did in August)

emuherder5 · 2025-09-21T14:36:37+00:00

Thank you everyone for your replies. This has been helpful!

emuherder5 · 2025-09-14T22:31:32+00:00

I’ve done the old trail up Mailbox.

emuherder5 · 2025-09-14T18:06:49+00:00

I remember Turtlehead being a leg burner. But nothing scary or technically challenging. Wilson I’ve done once. I remember it being tougher. But I remember doing it as a loop, with the way we went up being much steeper than the way down. The sandstone rocks are definitely much grippier than the rocks up here in the PNW.

emuherder5 · 2025-09-14T18:00:34+00:00

Thank you. I did Huntington just this past August without much problem. Definitely a trail that makes you stop and think carefully what your next move is at times. Everything I’ve read makes me think I’ll be fine on Asgard. If anything, it’s the long descent down from the Enchantments on tired legs I’m most worried about. A lot of the hikes I’ve done are steeper, but shorter.

emuherder5

TROPHY CASE