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A beautiful trail leading above treeline to the summit of Burroughs and back again.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.2

KM

63%

Runnable

7,379' 2,249 m

High

5,553' 1,692 m

Low

1,171' 357 m

Up

1,882' 574 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (8°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Check current trail conditions before starting your run! Early season conditions on this trail may be hazardous due to steep snow-covered slopes. Please travel only on the constructed trails and help minimize impact on this delicate environment.

Permits are required for camping. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Runner Notes

This trail is above treeline for a substantial distance, so exposure to the elements is a given. Be ready for steep grades on either side of the summit.

Description

The peak on Mount Rainier's northeast slope honors naturalist and essayist John Burroughs.

The Burroughs Mountain Trail begins from a junction with Wonderland Trail near Shadow Lake. It climbs sharply to an overlook on the White River and Emmons Glacier. Beyond the overlook the route continues up and onto the wide, flat plateau of First Burroughs Mountain, reaching a junction with the North Burroughs Mountain trail to Frozen Lake in 1.5 miles.

From that junction, follow the trail to the west for roughly 0.7 miles to the summit of Burroughs Mountain. The mountain views from any point on this trail are superb and Burroughs Mountain offers possibly the finest, most assessable tundra in the Cascades.

After taking in the staggering summit views, you can turn around to retrace your steps or continue on the trail as it drops onto the mountain's north face. From the summit the trail descends along the northern side of the ridge before crossing back to the south at a saddle. Shortly thereafter, you'll re-enter the forest as the trail dives toward the valley floor via a long sequence of switchbacks. The Burroughs Mountain Trail terminates at a junction with the Glacier Basin Trail.

Although there is no camp on Burroughs Mountain, Sunrise Camp lies along the way, approximately one mile from the parking area. It is popular with families who wish to travel only a short distance before making camp.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 14 votes

#1

in Sunrise

#594

Overall
  4.6 from 14 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Sunrise

#41

in Washington

#594

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,324 Since Feb 26, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Mt Rainier and Third Burroughs Mt
Mar 4, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Mount Rainier from Third Burroughs
Aug 22, 2017 near Eatonville, WA
Deciding whether to continue to 3rd Burroughs
Sep 23, 2018 near Greenwater, WA
This was taken from the end of the Burroughs Trails which start at the Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park.
Oct 7, 2016 near Eatonville, WA
Making my way around Mt. Rainier via the Burroughs Mountain Trail.
Jan 25, 2018 near Eatonville, WA
Glacier Peak from Burroughs Mountain.
Mar 7, 2015 near Eatonville, WA

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