"The Seattle 5". The first Peak Challenge to tackle for those in the Seattle area itching to get out nearby. Includes 5 of the most popular peaks close to the city, offering the quickest entrée into the wilderness. These 5 peaks all lie east of the Seattle area with easy access off I-90, but be aware that these peaks can get super (super!) crowded. Arrive earlier than you think you should to get parking.
Highest peak
Mailbox Peak
4,845 ft / 1,476 m
Most prominent peak
Mount Teneriffe
628 ft / 191 m prom
Most climbed peak
Mount Si
365 climbs
Most difficult peak
Mailbox Peak
Class 1
Difficulty breakdown
Class 1/2 2 peaks
Class 3/4 1 peak
Highlights
Latest climbs
"Good to be back after 10 years. Took it slow because remembered this run up being brutal but it didn’t seem that tough today. Glad to know I’m in better shape than a decade ago. Explored new trails down. Section Line was a steep descent to mellower Nook." — scott • Jun 30, 2025
"Another week, another hike up Mailbox with AK. This time, however, with a quick peak at Dirtybox. Really enjoyed the scrambling after the leg work. Cloudy and in the high 40's, parking lot was insanely overflowed" — zachmitch • Jun 1, 2024
"JC and I, our first hike together since 2020. At the trailhead at 6:45am. Cool and cloudy, high 40s. Enjoyed a quiet trail up the old on Memorial Day weekend Monday. Hike down was much more crowded. Glad we showed up early!" — zachmitch • May 27, 2024
"Mailbox up the old trail, down the new with AK. Started early and managed to beat the heat on a busy Mother's Day hike. Down in back in ~4.5 hours. Not a cloud in the sky, 88F. Snow was minimal, walked probably 20 total steps on snow." — zachmitch • May 14, 2023
"A really cool peak. Got to the trailhead well before sunrise and took the old trail to the summit in the snow for sunrise. Overall rating 7/10, definetly recommend hiking it at a time where you can have the trail to yourself and enjoy the view" — MountainQuest • Jan 26, 2023