Burroughs Mountain Trail

The Burroughs Mountain Trail comes from a series of trails out of the Sunrise Area. First piece of advice is to set your alarm clocks! The parking lot and trails get busy quite quickly, especially in the summer.

From the parking lot you will start by taking the Sourdough Ridge Trail up to Frozen Lake. Once at Frozen Lake you will follow the trail to the First Burroughs Mountain peak with about 900ft elevation gain and reaching 7000ft. On your way up be sure to look down towards the Wonderland Trail for some mountain goats as they are prevalent along the trail!

After climbing an additional 400ft you will arrive at the Second Burroughs peak (7400ft). A very tundra-looking landscape somewhat reminiscent of something out of a Lord of the Rings movie, it gives you absolutely stunning views of Rainier. This is also a nice place to take a break before setting out to the Third Burroughs. Keep an eye out for some of the friendly marmots and chipmunks that dot this and the other peaks.

Eventually it will be time to soldier on to the Third Burroughs (at 7800ft). Up here you will be rewarded with even closer views of this amazing volcano!

Heading back chose to take the Sunrise Trail at the junction with the First Burroughs Mtn. to take you by the Glacier Overlook and Shadow Lake. Once back in Sunrise, stop in to the Lodge for a cold Rainier brew and Chili Cheese Dog to give yourself a perfect end to a perfect day hike!

Note: You can shorten this hike by turning back after the 1st or 2nd Burroughs.