Burroughs Mountain — Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

My initial destination was the Burroughs Mountains but after arriving at Burroughs two I kept on going to the next peak which I could not find a name for but from the top you have a bird’s view of the Winthrop Glacier and the adjacent valley I arrived at the TH at 8:00 but as soon after I got out of my car it was obvious there were already several squadrons of mosquitoes and flies on patrol. There were only a dozen cars in the parking lot. After brushing on several layers of mosquito repellant I headed out but not before grabbing an extra bottle of water since the temperature was already 68º’s. Along the way I encountered Mickey (Pika) poking his head out of a rock wall. I arrived at Burroughs two at about nine and noted there was only a few of us at the over-look which made it very nice and quiet. The trail was in excellent shape but dry and very dusty and of course the flies that were on harassment patrol. There is no water along the trail and very little shade so bring extra water, and sun screen to ward off the sunburn I got. It was a beautiful hike with fantastic views. Going over to the next peak made it a bit more interesting but if you decide to go be advised you will encountered two extra long climbs (going and coming) as there is a valley you will descend into before going up the first climb. When I returned back to Burroughs two I noted that a tourist bus had drop off a bus load of tourist off and they were happily eating and yakking away where I was earlier, with more struggling tourist on the way up. The chip monks were probably having a field day. Going over the next peak made it a once a year type of hike as one hiker stated.