Burroughs Mountain

Overview

Burroughs Mountain is a high, barren ridge above the Sunrise area with three flat-topped plateaus—First, Second, and Third Burroughs. It’s one of the park’s premier hikes for feeling eye-level with Mount Rainier’s glaciers. Third Burroughs tops out at 7,828 feet, and the entire route travels across stark, tundra-like terrain that’s unlike the lush forests elsewhere in the park.

What Makes It Special

From the Burroughs plateaus you get panoramic, in-your-face views of Rainier, including the Emmons and Winthrop Glaciers, Little Tahoma, and the White River Valley. The stark volcanic landscape above treeline gives the whole hike an otherworldly feel, with layered andesitic lava outcrops and sweeping vistas in every direction.

Route Options & Distances

• First Burroughs: roughly 4.7–5 miles round trip with about 900–1,000 feet of gain, reached via trails leaving from the Sunrise parking area.
• Second Burroughs: about 7 miles round trip with around 1,345 feet cumulative gain; expect a sharp climb before First and another push to Second.
• Third Burroughs: about 9–9.5 miles round trip and ~2,500 feet cumulative gain; the payoff is the most dramatic, direct views of Rainier.
• Loop choices: many hikers form a loop using Sunrise Rim and Sourdough Ridge, passing landmarks like Shadow Lake and the Frozen Lake junction.

What You’ll See

• Big landscapes: Glacier Basin, Berkeley Park, Skyscraper and Fremont, Grand Park, plus moraines and tarns dotted along the high country.
• Geology: layered andesitic lava forming broad, flat plateaus—classic volcanic architecture.

Wildlife

Marmots are common and often vocal along the rocky sections. You may also spot mountain goats, chipmunks, and—more rarely—black bears. Enjoy them from a distance and never feed wildlife.

Trail Experience & Difficulty

This is a very popular day hike from Sunrise, especially in summer. Expect a steep, sustained climb before reaching the First Burroughs plateau, exposure to wind and sun throughout, and occasional narrow segments with steep drop-offs en route to Second. Early in the season, lingering snowfields can make travel tricky—especially around the Frozen Lake area and along traverses.

Practicalities

There are no developed amenities on the mountain itself—no water, food, or shelter—so bring everything you need. Frozen Lake is the area’s water supply and is off-limits. The alpine tundra here is fragile and slow-growing; stay on trail and avoid stepping on vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: Mid to late summer after snowmelt offers the easiest conditions; lingering snow can persist into late July or early August.
• Time of day: Start early for cooler temps, softer light on Rainier, and thinner crowds. Afternoons can be hot and windy with harsher glare.
• Days: Weekdays are noticeably quieter than peak summer weekends.

Tips for a Great Day

• Start early—Sunrise parking fills quickly in summer.
• Pack sun protection, warm layers, and wind gear; the ridge is fully exposed.
• Check current conditions for lingering snow and consider microspikes early season.
• If you want the biggest views, continue to Second (and, conditions allowing, Third) Burroughs.
• Stay on trail to protect the fragile alpine tundra and do not approach Frozen Lake.