Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Burroughs Mountain
This route offers more than just wonderful wildlife viewing. The trail atop Burroughs Mountain provides hikers outstanding views of the northeast face of Mount Rainier. Little Tahoma can be seen flanking Rainier, and the tower-topped peak of Mount Fremont stands to the north. Closer at hand, marmots and pikas dash between the rocks along the trail. Mountain goats can be found showing off their agility on the sides of the local peaks. And raptors--from lightning-fast peregrines to massive golden eagles--soar overhead. All in all, the views and the local wildlife make this loop an unbeatable day hiking option for hikers young and old.
From the Sunrise parking lot and visitor center, find the broad trail (an old road, actually) on the southwest side of the parking lot and follow it west toward Sunrise Camp. At 0.5 mile out, stay right rather than head toward the camp, however. This trail leads upward through meadowlands for another mile--stay straight ahead at the next junction (about 1 mile from the trailhead)--to reach Frozen Lake at 1.5 miles. Go left here to skirt around the lake, which serves as the source of all water for the Sunrise area facilities, and at the next junction (about 0.2 mile farther on) stay left again to climb the gentle, open slope leading up to the top of First Burroughs. About 1 mile after leaving that last junction (2.7 miles from the trailhead), you will be on the western end of the broad top of First Burroughs (7200 feet). The trail then follows the ridge line about 1 mile across to Second Burroughs (7400 feet) before it angles southwest and descends around the side of Third Burroughs. Rather than drop off the top of Second, though, stop and enjoy the view. It is worth your time to relax here a long time not only to enjoy the views, but hopefully to be lucky enough to see some avalanche and rock-slide activity on the side of Mount Rainier. The sound of one of these events will stick in your memory forever. Turn around here. If you want a little variety on the return trip, at the junction atop First Burroughs veer to the right and follow the steep trail down to Sunrise Camp and from there back to the trailhead parking lot. The mileage is about the same as the route you followed coming up.
Driving Directions:
From Enumclaw, drive east 43 miles on State Route 410 to the Mount Rainier National Park White River Entrance. Veer right onto the Sunrise Road and follow it 17 miles west to the large parking lot and visitor center at the road's end. Note: Sunrise Road usually doesn't open until early July. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Snow on trail | Bugs
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I had the day off and so instead of doing housework, we decided to head to the Mountain. Rainier was...
I had the day off and so instead of doing housework, we decided to head to the Mountain. Rainier was surrounded by mist when we first got there but cleared off as the day went on. We headed up to Frozen Lake, intending to go to the lookout, but talked to the ranger and found out there was a work crew up there and it was closed. We asked about Burroughs and the snowfield. He told us if we had poles and boots we would be OK. This is the important part of this report. The snowfield is still there, there are steps cut into it, but it it is steep. 4 people have fallen on this in the last month. We did fine with boots on and poles. No tennis shoes! Newby hikers be cautious and I would not recommend crossing this with children. The rest of the trail is lbeautiful, with up close and personal views of Rainier and the fabulous flower meadows around Shadow Lake. Black flies were a bit annoying. A favorite hike every year!
Burroughs Mountain
— Sep 01, 2011
— squatch
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Snow on trail | Bugs
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left the sunrise parking lot at about 10 a.m. hit three small snow packs just past frozen lake. Pole...
left the sunrise parking lot at about 10 a.m. hit three small snow packs just past frozen lake. Poles/ice ax are a good idea but not essential. as we crested the 1st Burroughs there was a large group of goats at the top. hit another snow pack while ascending the 2nd Burroughs and two more small ones on the way up to the 3rd Burroughs. Had the peak to ourselves. Ate lunch while in awe of the glaciers and Mount Rainier. Went back via shadow lake, kind of a bummer after being on the 3rd Burrough's 7800+ ft peak.
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Snow on trail
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We started from Sunrise to the Fremont Lookout Trail. There were no snow patches on this trail and t...
We started from Sunrise to the Fremont Lookout Trail. There were no snow patches on this trail and there were children hiking. A few blood-thirsty insects that our bug spray kept away and some wildflowers blooming. Frozen lake still has some ice on it and looked beautiful as we passed it.
From Fremont Lookout, we went to Burroughs Mountains. There were 2 snow patches (both about 60-85 ft long) going up. When you're there, if the first one is too much for you, keep in mind the second is more steeply inclined and turn back. If you slip off the narrow path, the incline is steep and snow-covered, and could turn into a rescue situation. That said, these snow patches can be navigated quickly and carefully with hiking shoes and preferably a trekking pole. The views from Burrough Mountain are great. There were lots of chipmunks/squirrel types hanging around. There are also views of Baker and Glacier Peak etc. Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail | Bugs
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The trail was snow free from Sunrise to just short of the first Burrough. Since it is a steep drop ...
The trail was snow free from Sunrise to just short of the first Burrough. Since it is a steep drop off, an ice axe is highly recommended! There was more snow going down to Shadow Lake, but it was much less scary and more easy to navigate than on the Burroughs. Other than the snow, it was good clear trails and the bugs let up by Frozen Lake. Perfectly clear sunny day but few wild flowers.
Burroughs Mountain
— Aug 16, 2011
— kyle
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Snow on trail | Avalanche danger
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We did this as a loop taking the sunrise rim trail on the way in and frozen lake on the way out. Su...
We did this as a loop taking the sunrise rim trail on the way in and frozen lake on the way out. Sunrise rim was snow free except for one small snowfield which was crossed with relative ease with poles. We went on to second burroughs over a couple more easily crossed, but steep snowfields. However, on the way back we opted for the frozen lake route and encountered a very long, steep and treacherous snowfield, probably at least around 100 yards. It began fairly level, but towards the end declines steeply. I don't recommend this route, particularly not for the return as you are descending. Take sunrise rim there and back and you will feel much safer. I did this route last year in the reverse without any problem, but there was only a very small snowfield. I am not saying this can not be done, we did it, as did others, some much faster than us and without poles, but again I do not recommend it in the current condition.
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 The Mountain from the Burroughs Mountain trail. Photo by HF Walter.
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