Glacier Basin, Glacier Basin Loop & Burroughs Mountain — Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

Did the Glacier Basin Loop, with an added trip to 3rd Burroughs. I did it CW, but would definitely do it CCW next time (views are way better this direction!).

There was no line to get into Sunrise at 6:30 am. I arrived at the White River Campground TH and found plenty of parking. Glacier Basin Trail is very pleasant and in wonderful shape. You do gain a little elevation, but it is so gentle that you barely notice it. Once you turn onto Sunrise Trail, the climbing really starts. There is slight overgrowth along this part, and one tree down (looks like it's been there awhile). I saw no humans until I reached the junction with 3rd Burroughs. By then the wind was picking up a bit, but I still decided to go for it. Epic views from the top. So windy and cold. I was in multiple layers, winter hat, and gloves. Saw one pika who watched me very carefully as I ate my snack. 

I then continued on to the loop up 2nd Burroughs. The views are slightly different from this one. It was starting to get more populated as I made my way across the Burroughs Mountain Trail down towards Shadow Lake and Sunrise Camp. The views are really nice along the ridge during this part! It took awhile, since there were a lot of people coming up. Note: Rainier is to your back this entire time, thus, why I would do it the other direction. But you can see Grand Park, Berkely Park, Frozen Lake, and dozens of other destinations from the ridge. Plus, the views to the south are epic as well.

Sunrise Camp was pretty busy. Shadow Lake less so. I was happy to hop on the Wonderland Trail down to WR Campground and get back that solitude! The descent is quite gentle here. Saw only a couple of backpackers. It was almost 80 degrees when I got back to the car....it was crazy to think that just a couple hours ago, I was freezing in full winter gear! Just a reminder that mountain weather can be a beast! 

No bugs!