Burroughs Mountain Trail

Zach L

Burroughs Mountain Trail

06/19/22

Each lookout makes you feel closer and more in awe of the mountain which entices you to keep going. If you’re planning to do this AND Fremont Fire Lookout I’d suggest trying to allot enough time to do them both in the same trip since the first half of each trail is the same. Sourdough trail offers good views over the ridge, I don’t know about the Sunrise trail but that’s an option if you want to mix it up.

4.0

Explorer

Jared Blitz

Explorer

Burroughs Mountain Trail

11/12/20

I hiked to the second burrough my first time in the Sunrise section of Rainier this past summer. It wasn't as difficult as the ranger suggested it might be. In fact, I came across many people who weren't in great shape (heavier breathing) but were handling it well, so don't let it deter you if you're only occasionally active. The views of Tahoma on a clear day were a nice change from the Paradise section. You feel like you're closer to the 14k ft peak, which gives you an even more awe-inspiring feeling. It also allows you to see for miles north of Tahoma when you get on the ridgelines. Beautiful hike that also connects to multiple other trails for a fun day of adventure. However, I didn't see as many wildflowers on this trail as you do in sections in the Paradise area.

5.0

Gabe O'Leary

Burroughs Mountain Trail

09/03/17

I took my family including my 79 year old God Father here for a day hike. I wanted to take them up close to Mount Rainier so Sunrise seemed like a natural choice. We did the Sunrise Rim Trail and added on a spur to the second Burroughs. We didn't make it to the Third which I've heard has awesome views down onto the Glacier because my God Father was struggling a bit in the heat. Will have to return and do that another day. It wasn't terribly crowded on the Saturday of Labor day which was somewhat surprising.

4.0

Boyd Massie

Burroughs Mountain Trail

09/27/16

Burroughs Mountain has three summits – First, Second and Third Burroughs. You can hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail up and back, or make a loop like our hiking group did. ASCENT: Sunrise Rim Trail from the Sunrise parking lot, which briefly connects with the Wonderland Trail (near Shadow Lake) and then to Burroughs Mountain Trail. DESCENT: Burroughs Mountain Trail to North Burroughs Mountain Trail (near Frozen Lake) and finally Sourdough Ridge Trail back to Sunrise parking lot. It was a surprisingly cold and windy morning with little to no view of Mount Rainier for the entire morning. The weather can fluctuate greatly at this elevation – come prepared with plenty of warm layers and rain gear. The trail was snow free and climbs steadily up the rocky terrain. Trail is in good condition and the traffic was very light. The terrain is quite barren and you are fully exposed when the clouds break. Be sure to bring extra sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water on sunny days. You reach the open top of First Burroughs Mountain at roughly 7,000 ft. 1/2 mile later you reach Second Burroughs (7,400 ft), a popular destination for most day hikers. The push to the third and final point is worth it, especially if the weather cooperates and you have a view of Mount Rainier and beyond. We were VERY fortunate that the mountain "came out to play", just as we arrived at the intersection. **NOTE: There is no official sign for Third Burroughs (or the First and Second that I saw). You will come to a sign that says Burroughs Mountain Trail with arrows directing both ways - and you will see a path to your right leading up toward Mount Rainier. Take this path to your right, or you will descend quickly toward Glacier Basin Trail. The remainder of the trail up to Third Burroughs remains steep amid the tundra-like environment. We crossed one small snow field - perfectly safe (but other times of the year, be careful). Third Burroughs Mountain, standing just over 7,800 ft elevation, provides the perfect perch for stunning views of Mount Rainier! Emmons and Winthrop Glacier, Little Tahoma and the endless amount of sights are also bound to amaze. I found it very interesting to see the vast evidence of volcanic activity – much more prevalent than the Paradise side of the mountain. Found it hard to leave Third Burroughs, but deliberately stopped for glimpses of Rainier from many different angles on the descent. Traffic and crowds increased as the day went on. Enjoyed completing the look by hiking Sourdough Ridge Trail down to a busy Sunrise parking lot.

5.0

Jill Freeman

Burroughs Mountain Trail

10/12/15

I've done this hike several times and am thrilled that someone with average fitness can do it. The first time I went with my husband, I was in total AWE of this gorgeous HUGE mountain. Until you stand this close (on it!) you have no idea how massively wonderful it is. I need to schedule another trip...

5.0