Burroughs Mountain — Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

Our exchange student really wanted to see Rainier up close and personal but we didn't have a lot of time. So, off to Sunrise with my ten year old. The 2 hour drive from Bellevue was fine. The hike up to Second Burroughs Mountain from the Sunrise parking lot was fantastic. Spectacular scenery. Friendly chipmunks. Great wildflowers and NO BUGS! The seven mile roundtrip hike was easy, the elevation gain subtle, but this is a hiking boot train (we passed a few tennis shoe clad parties. They weren't as happy as we were). There is a small but steep snow patch to cross which caused me a mild panic attack. Fantastic day trip, but don't forget the weather on Rainier changes quickly. Although the parking lot was hot, it was windy and cold up top. Fleece, a hat, long pants for skinny kids are necessary.