Mount Rainier Hike - Burroughs Mountain
6 miles roundtrip, offered July 15 - September 30
At a glance: Mount Rainier is our #1 hike and it's easy to see why. The Burroughs Mountain hike offers turnarounds at 4 or 6 miles so you can go as far as your ambition can carry you. But we find with most - you won’t want to stop early!
What's included: Transport from hotel/home/airbnb, professional guide, entrance fees to Mount Rainier National Park, 6 mile hike, lunch, snacks, backpack and trekking poles if needed.
$249/person plus 6% online booking fee ($264 total).
We keep our group size small (no more than five plus guide) so you can hike at your own pace and enjoy 1:1 time with our knowledgeable guides.
Burroughs Mountain has been described as a mountain against a mountain. At over 7800 feet, Burroughs Mountain sets right up against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier, hugging the Winthrop Glacier. It offers one of the most dramatic views of Washington's largest volcano; the landscape atop Burroughs is both broad and barren, so there is little to inhibit full exposure.
Seemingly little plant life should survive this harsh, high-elevation terrain, yet the number of wildflower varieties which thrive with vibrant color on this hike may surprise you. Besides the floral displays in early summer, the wildlife seen atop this summit is a treat. Goats wander the hillsides, and chipmunks, marmots and pika skitter amongst the rocks, along the trail and atop each of the three “peaks” which define this long, tundra-like alpine mountain. This ecosystem is considered rare alpine tundra.
Itinerary
7:30 am Depart Seattle (we pick up from your hotel/Airbnb/VRBO/Home)
9:30 am Arrive Mount Rainier National Park Entrance Gate
10:00 am Arrive at Trailhead
10 am - 3 pm Hike/Lunch
5:30 pm Return to Seattle
*Times are approximate. It often depends on how quickly each person hikes, trail conditions and traffic.
About the Hike
The hike is a moderate 4 - 6 miles. It begins across a broad expansive meadow above Sunrise Visitor Center and we follow the trail to Sourdough Ridge. From there we can see views North of Mount Baker and Glacier Peak.
Following the trail a bit more we quickly rise above tree line and pass by Frozen Lake. This is where our first climb begins but you’ll be distracted by the beauty and possible mountain goats that call Burroughs Mountain home.
We’ve then reached the first of the three burroughs. Here, if you’ve run out of gas, you can sit and enjoy the view. If you’re energized, we’ll continue on to the second burrough which is our ultimate destination.
Second Burroughs reaches 7,500’. No small mountain in it’s own right, but Mount Rainier towers above us at 14,411 feet. Second Burroughs offers impressive views into the Glacier Basin below, pointed Little Tahoma on a ridge of Rainier to the south, and expansive views of the park to the north, including Fremont Lookout, Berkeley and Grand Parks, and Skyscraper Mountain.
After enjoying a lunch we’ll head back down the trail via a different route that takes us through beautiful green meadows among the trees. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for signs of our resident black bear mum.
Extra Notes
Burroughs Mountain reaches 7,500’ in elevation. In cases of unsafe conditions (bad weather, etc), the guide will select an alternative hike lower on the mountain.
