Burroughs Mountain Loop Hike

Sunrise – Mt. Rainier National Park

The Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail is a 9.4 heavily traveled trail beginning at Sunrise between the store and Visitor Center.

Sunrise Visitor Center

Sunrise has a large parking lot, Ranger Station, restroom and a store that offers food, drinks and merchandise. This is also where back country hikers can be obtain their permits. With a brief stop in the store to pick up a really cool hatI was ready to start my adventure.

There is a wealth of trails originating from area surrounding the Sunrise Visitor Center. In most cases you will be able to find a hike that fits your level of skill and fitness. If you are not a hiker and only want to see great views, Sunrise provides awesome up-close views of Mt. Rainier as well as the surrounding peaks without leaving the parking area.

The Hike

The National Park has listed this hike as strenuous, however I and the Alltrails App would rate it more on the moderate side. The mileage is long but the elevation gain is gradual.

The trail to Burroughs Mountains begins as the Sourdough Ridge trail. Follow the Sourdough Ridge Trail (left) for approximately 1.5 miles until you reach Frozen Lake. This is a cool section of trail as it cuts across a large talus field offering great views of the mountain ranges to the north and south. Near Frozen Lake there is a major trail junction where you will find the beginning of the Burroughs Mountain trail.

It may not feel like it but the trail is continually climbing in elevation which becomes evident with the changes in ecosystems. Sunrise and the trailhead begins in a sub-alpine environmental but as it climbs to nearly 7000 feet the landscape became void of trees, characteristic of the alpine tundra.

Once at Frozen Lake, I located the trail to Burroughs Mountain and began my approach. Technically, there are three Burroughs Mountains. They are given very original names 1st, 2nd and 3rd mountain. It sorta reminded me of how I painstakingly named my stray cats at my old home. Let’s see??? There was black kitty, white kitty, brown kitty, fluff, puff and momma just to name a few. Pretty original huh?!?

On my way to Frozen Lake I hiked alongside a Volunteer Park Ranger who gave me some interesting facts about the park and showed me the route hikers take to summit Mt. Rainier. She also advised me that due to snow levels I would probably only be able to reach the 1st Burroughs Mountain safely. I was slightly disappointed as I had planned to go further but the scenery was still stunning and I wasn’t deterred to see whatever the elements would allow.

Once, departing the Frozen Lake junction I began to realize why the Ranger had said what she said. The trail suddenly became much steeper clinging to the side of a steep slope. In many places snow was deep and with one slip I would find myself tumbling down the steep talus field.

Once through this steep and snowy stretch I reached 1st Burrough Mountain. The view from this area is spectacular especially of Mt Rainer but also of the valleys below. First Burroughs Mountain is not what you think of as a “mountain.” Instead it is more of a flat plateau lacking any large vegetation.

Second Burroughs Mountain

From 1st Burroughs I saw several people making their way to 2nd Burroughs Mountain. Some were returning with out crampons or trekking poles. They informed me that if I took my time I would have no problems. So I decided to attempted it, after all I could always turn back if it felt to sketchy. The walk between the two mountains was definitely steeper and had much more snow. These snowy sections made things a tad trickier but with patience I found the climb very doable.

Once on top of 2nd Burroughs Mountain the view of Mt Rainier is incredible! Much like 1st mountain, 2nd mountain had ample space to spread out, drop your pack, and just stare at the 2nd highest peak in the lower 48. I think what really made it stand out was the close proximity in which it appeared.

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From 2nd Burroughs Mountain the final summit of 3rd Burroughs Mountain was visible. There were some brave soles making the climb but the distance was long and there was a ton of snow so I decided to save that for the next trip.

After spending a considerable amount of time at 2nd Burroughs I decided to finish the loop and return to the Jeep. It would need to retrace my steps to 1st Burroughs Mountain and locate the Shady Lake Trail which would eventually lead back to the visitor center.

Wildlife Encounters

As I worked my way down the Shady Lake Trail, I was treated to a large herd/flock of Mountain Goats. Typically when I see these unique animals in the wild they are white specks on a cliffside and small in groups of 3-5. However, today there were over a dozen goats moving slowing across the trail.

(Sorry for the bounciest video ever LOL)

Final Descent

After passing the goats the descent was significantly steeper. I was glad that I had attacked this loop in a counterclockwise motion as a clockwise approach would have been more strenuous. However, the views of Mt. Rainier on this route were spectacular and I found myself stopping and turning around to take a dozens of picture.

Not only was the trail steep in several sections there was heavy snow to traverse. Luckily many hikers had previously crossed these sections leaving a well worn path, but it was still spooky.

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Once through the snow and back within the tree line the forest opened into several meadows. It also allowed for several opportunities to see the surrounding peaks. These peaks are magnificent but tend to be over shadowed but the brilliance and magnitude of Rainier.

The Burrough’s mountain loop is a must hike when visiting Mt Rainier National Park. If walked in a counterclockwise motion most skill levels can enjoy this hike. It may require many stops along the way but there are unique creatures and awesome views that will cause you to lose track of time!

~slow-LEE hiking