Burroughs Mountain Trail

The Burroughs Mountain Trail is one of the finest high-elevation hikes in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, and it gives hikers a remarkable opportunity to walk through open alpine country with Mount Rainier standing directly ahead. This trail begins near the Sunrise Visitor Center and is usually reached by following the Sourdough Ridge Trail toward Frozen Lake, then continuing onto the Burroughs Mountain Trail. Because this area sits high above timberline, the views are open nearly the entire way, with outstanding looks toward Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, the Winthrop Glacier, Little Tahoma, Glacier Basin, Fremont Lookout, and the wide country north of Sunrise. There are THREE SUMMITS you can hike to on this world-class hike.

There are three main destinations along the Burroughs Mountain Trail: First Burroughs, Second Burroughs, and Third Burroughs.

First Burroughs: 2.35 miles (one way)
First Burroughs is about 2.35 miles (one way) from Sunrise, with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain and 900 feet of elevation loss for the full out-and-back hike. This is a very rewarding destination by itself, especially for visitors who want a classic Sunrise-area experience without committing to the longer route. First Burroughs is a broad, open plateau where the landscape feels almost moon-like, with rocky ground, low alpine plants, and sweeping views in nearly every direction.

Second Burroughs: 3.5 miles (one way)
Second Burroughs is about 3.5 miles (one way) from Sunrise, with approximately 1,150 feet of total elevation gain and 1,150 feet of elevation loss for the full out-and-back hike. From First Burroughs, the trail continues west and climbs gradually toward the higher, more dramatic viewpoint of Second Burroughs. This is a very popular turnaround point because the view of Mount Rainier becomes even more powerful here. The Emmons Glacier and Glacier Basin are especially impressive from this area, and on a clear day, the mountain feels incredibly close.

Third Burroughs: 4.5 miles (one way)
For strong hikers, Third Burroughs is the big prize. The hike to Third Burroughs is about 4.5 miles (one way) from Sunrise, with roughly 2,600 feet of cumulative elevation gain and 2,600 feet of cumulative elevation loss for the full out-and-back hike, depending on the exact route taken. From Second Burroughs, the trail drops to a saddle before climbing steeply again toward Third Burroughs, which sits at about 7,828 feet. This final section is more strenuous, but the reward is unforgettable. The views into the Winthrop Glacier, Steamboat Prow, and the massive northeast side of Mount Rainier are among the most dramatic in the park.

The Burroughs Mountain Trail gives you choices. You can turn around at First Burroughs, continue to Second Burroughs, or make the bigger push to Third Burroughs. No matter how far you go, this trail delivers a true Mount Rainier alpine experience. Because the area is exposed and the tundra is extremely fragile, hikers should stay on the trail, carry layers, bring plenty of water, and check conditions before starting, especially early in the summer when snow may still cover portions of the route.