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Burroughs Mountain Loop Mt. Rainier


Highlights:

An excellent Alpine hike with spectacular views of the mountain and skyline
Near:Ashford, WA
Scenery:
Distance:5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1100 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Burroughs Mountain has three summits, all over 7,000 feet -- First, Second and Third Burroughs. It is ecologically unique because of the tundralike setting, where even old plants are small. Here trees that look young are hundreds of years old because the growing season is brief and conditions harsh. Here you can see the largest glacier in the contiguous United States, the Emmons Glacier. Starting at Sunrise the trail rises and then traverses to Frozen Lake. Just beyond the lake is a major trail intersection with branches to Mt. Fremont, Sunrise Camp, Burroughs, and west along the Wonderland trail to Berkeley Park and Skyscraper. At the end of this traverse the hiker has the option of taking a short (.5 mile) side trip to Second Burroughs Mountain for even better views. Turning south the trail loses elevation to the lookout over the Emmonds Glacier before continuing down into the Sunrise Camp. From the camp it is a gentle rise back to Sunrise.
Trailhead: Getting there -- From Enumclaw, drive east on state Route 410. Continue 4 1/2 miles past the Mount Rainier National Park entrance and turn right onto the White River/Sunrise Road. Drive a long mile to the park entrance fee station and in about four miles pass the turnoff for White River Campground. Continue 10 miles to Sunrise, elevation 6,400 feet. The main trail starts to the left of the Ranger Station building. (Lat:46.914 Lon:-121.6419)
Trail Guides for Burroughs Mountain Loop Mt. Rainier:
50 Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park
by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers)

Day Hike Mt. Rainier
by Ron C. Judd (Sasquatch Books)

Best Seasons: Fall, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: White River Wilderness Information Center 360 663-2273
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted  23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Russell on 10/7/2009
Of all the hiking I've done around Mt. Rainier, this is my absolute favorite. The view sitting on Second Burroughs is simply stunning. Words can't adequately describe it. I went up on a clear, crisp October day and there was some snow on the trail between Frozen Lake and First Burroughs, but nothing that proved to be too difficult. I will definitely be going back.

Reviewed by Scott on 8/20/2009
This was my first Alpine Hike in 10 months (I had been in Florida) and it was well worth it. I arrived on a free day for the park and that was great, but the parking at Sunrise was very crowded. With the temperature in the mid 50's and some trepidation, I began and about half way up the hill from the parking lot I wondered if this was a good idea. I soon got into my hiking rythym and really enjoyed the hike. By all means take the side trip to Second Burroughs, the views are intense. Take this hike.

Reviewed by Judy A on 9/21/2008
My friend and I did this hike on a Friday, when it was cloudy and foggy in Seattle. We got to the Park and was so surprise to see blue skies and the bright sun. What a perfect day to go hiking! I loved this hike and plan to do it again. The views are spectacular!! We went all the way up to third burrough and had lunch there. It was awesome!

Reviewed by Henry on 9/29/2007
We did this hike mid Sept 2007 (as a day trip from Seattle). Though I grade the difficulty level as medium, the scenery level is just beautiful. We (from Netherlands) are seasoned travellers and love to hike wherever we can (Vancouver Island, Hawaii, Alaska, Rockies, Alps, yes even the steep and mighty woods within 'Bunderbos' etc). This trip will easily rate amongst the top 5 of our hikings with 'best views ever'!

Reviewed by David on 7/8/2007
I like the hike alot! Most of Mt.Rainier is great for hiking. Early in the season though even in July there is snow on the trail and danger of taking a fall. Please beware of this and little children especially beware of the danger and don`t play where there is danger and death that can happen with the lack of knowledge that little may children might have.

Reviewed by maria on 10/21/2006
The best hike for first-time visitors to the mountain. Excellent views, with reasonable difficulty, and reasonable time requirements.

Reviewed by Martha on 8/7/2006
I LOVED THIS HIKE! This hike exceeded all my expectations and I will definitely do it again. At the ranger's suggestion my group and I did the loop counter-clockwise and I'm glad we did. I thought the beginning was steep - heading back down to Sunrise from Burroughs 2 the trail was steep, narrow and just scary enough to feel like I was actually hiking and not out for a walk in my neighborhood. Not being in the best of physical condition this hike was a bit challenging at times - but that only made completing all that much sweeter. This is a great hike, it was very crowded, but the scenery is beyond discription so it's sharing this hike with everybody else on the trail.

Reviewed by John on 10/16/2004
A nice stretch of the legs with fantastic views of the glacier and Mt. Rainier. . . The extra bit to Burroughs Two is well worth it. . . Will do this one again. .


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Pierce County Hiking, Pierce County Trails, Pierce County Hikes

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