Hike to Burroughs Mountain

Burroughs Mountain Trail

NPS Photo

Season: Summer (July–September)

Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range. This series of three peaks on Mount Rainier's northeast slope honors naturalist and essayist John Burroughs. It is a rocky, rounded lava flow formation formed 500-420 thousand years ago during a very active eruptive period. Mats of mountain heather can be hundreds of years old. Look for dwarf versions of plants, like dwarf lupine. While it may look like bare soil between patches of plants, the alpine tundra is fragile so please stay on trail.

The Burroughs Mountains can be reached from the Sourdough Ridge or the Sunrise Rim trails. A loop can be made from First Burroughs Mountain that combines both trails. Taking the Sunrise Rim Trail on ascent or descent is only 0.4 miles longer than the Sourdough Ridge Trail.

The Sunrise Rim trailhead is located on the south side of the Sunrise parking area. Traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail passes Shadow Lake at 1.2 miles on a level grade then climbs sharply to an overlook on the White River and Emmons Glacier at 1.6 miles. Beyond the overlook the route continues 0.9 miles up and onto the wide, flat plateau of First Burroughs Mountain.

To make a loop, turn right and hike 0.75 miles east to the Frozen Lake junction, then follow the Sourdough Ridge Trail another 1.4 miles east back to the Sunrise parking lot. Or, from First Burroughs turn left and head west an additional 0.7 miles up the trail to Second Burroughs Mountain, featuring spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.

For a longer hike and closer views of Mount Rainier, descend from Second Burroughs Mountain across 0.4 miles to a junction with a trail that descends to White River Campground. 

The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October. Due to its high elevation, the Burroughs Mountain Trail can remain snow-covered after the road to Sunrise opens. Check trail conditions before hiking early in the season. Pets are not allowed. Wilderness permits are required for camping at Sunrise Camp.

Trail Statistics

• Distance, round trip: 4.7 miles to First Burroughs, 7 miles to Second Burroughs
• Elevation gain: 900 feet to First Burroughs, 1,150 feet to Second Burroughs
• Hiking time, round trip: 3-6 hours
• Wilderness Camps: Sunrise

Rules & Regulations

• Pets are not allowed on trails
• No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay)
• No bicycles on trails
• Pack out trash
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife
• Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features
• Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet

Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fee required

Location

Sunrise

The Burroughs Mountains can be reached from either the Sourdough Ridge or the Sunrise Rim trails, accessible from the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot.

Reservations

No

Season

Summer

The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October. Due to its high elevation, the Burroughs Mountain trail can remain snow-covered after the road to Sunrise opens. Check trail conditions before hiking early in the summer season.

Accessibility Information

Burroughs Mountain Trail allows hikers to choose a shorter or longer hike depending on their fitness and preference. Getting to First Burroughs requires hiking uphill on a narrow, rocky trail with areas of steep drop offs. Continuing to Second Burroughs adds 250 feet elevation gain. 

Due to its high elevation, portions of the Burroughs Mountain trail can remain snow-covered after the road to Sunrise opens. Given the trail’s steep drop offs the presence of snow can make it more hazardous. Check trail conditions before hiking early in the season.