We arrived at the Sunrise visitor center around 9 on a Sunday to a nearly filled parking lot. The trail leading to the Burroughs Mountains locates towards the back of the parking lot, as helpfully pointed out to us by a ranger, who stationed by the visitors center.
The trail starts out on a relatively manageable grade but begins a steady incline shortly after the intersection with the Frozen Lake, as it meanders its way towards the first Burroughs Mountain. The paths up the First and the Second Burroughs Mountains are steep but one would be rewarded with unforgettable views once atop. We rested a little while on the Second Burroughs Mountain before making our way to the Third Burroughs Mountain.
After coming downhill from the Second Burroughs Mountains, we slowly hiked up the notably steep trail to the Third Burroughs Mountain - I could sense the rising altitude as my heart raced. The efforts required to get there was definitely worthy it as the panoramic view afforded by the Third Burroughs Mountain is simply jaw-dropping. The summit of Mt Rainier and the glacier fields that surrounds it seemed within reach - I was completely awed.
We made our way down shortly after 12:00 and then uphills again to the Second Burroughs Mountain - yes up again! - before making our way back to Sunrise via the Shadow Lake Trail. The Shadow Lake Trail features a hiking path against a cliff that plunges down to the lake - please tread with caution.
We missed a turn and wound up return to the parking lot around 3:30 by way of the Sunrise campground. Tired and sore for certain but the views from the Burroughs Mountains will definitely lure me back again.
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