Burroughs Mountain — Saturday, Jul. 19, 2025

7/19/25 - Arrived to the Sunrise parking lot at 5:45 AM and the lot was almost 1/3 full. Restrooms available outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center.

Completed the trail clockwise as I read on the comments that the views going through Sunrise Rim were amazing and they were right! I started hiking at 6 AM and for the most part I was alone. It was peaceful looking at the sunrise glow hitting Mount Rainier and seeing all these vibrant flowers blooming. The first portion was still shaded so it was nice and cool. A bit past Shadow Lake there will be a junction where you can find a bathroom. After this point the trail begins to go uphill. It was sunny as you start getting closer to the Glacier Viewpoint. At this point I was startled by a bear. It ran away as soon as it heard or saw me. It was my first time see a bear so it was frightening, especially when solo hiking. Luckily I had a bear spray. This is a nice spot to take a break and take photos. After this portion, you will continue to hike uphill until you arrive to a junction where people are coming from Sourdough Ridge Trail. Gusts were a bit strong. The wind helped to get ride of bugs, so that was nice.

The next portion to get to the second burrough was very windy. Strong gusts so it definitely made me reconsider continuing. Also seeing some dark clouds rolling near the mountain. I pushed myself and it was worth it. There is a small snow patch on the trail which can definitely be avoided. At the second burrough the winds picked up. Great place to take another break, especially if you plan to go to the third burrough.

Getting to the third burrough was a challenge! You have to hike downhill and then it goes right back up. Luckily the wind died down as I started hiking down. The incline portion was brutal and took me to longest because I was already tired. Having trekking poles definitely helped. Finally I reached the third burrough and wow!!! It feels like you’re touching Mount Rainier. It wasn’t too windy which made it for an enjoyable view and long break. There are some areas to continue hiking but I didn’t see many people going that way. Mainly everyone sat on the rocky areas to enjoy their break with a view of Mount Rainier.

The hike back down was exhausting, but I like the variation of pace because then you go uphill to get back to the second burrough. Once I got back to the junction, I went to the left to get to the Sourdough Ridge Trail where it meets at Frozen Lake. The trail section had two snow patches which you can walk next to since it’s melting. At the Frozen Lake junction it became crowded from all the people going to/coming from Mt Fremont Lookout. The rest of the trail is flat, then a gradual incline which beautiful views of Mount Rainier. The final stretch is downhill which will lead you back to the parking lot.

This is a 10-mile hike and it took me 8 hours to complete. I’m a slow hiker and was definitely stopping for a lot of breaks to catch my breath and to take photos. Reminder when on the trail to practice the LNT principles. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat because the trail is exposed.