Less than a 2 hour drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, and the highest mountain in the state of Washington. Today I’m hiking the Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail.
There are 3 separate mountain peaks on this very popular trail – First, Second, and Third Burroughs. The vast majority of people stop at Second Burroughs – and for good reason. Even though the long steady climb to First and Second Burroughs will definitely get your lungs working, the steep climb to the Third will really make you work. You know there’s no chance I’m stopping at Second Burroughs. Here we go…Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Max Elevation: 7,828 ft
Visitor Center And Mount Rainier
Trail begins with a 600 ft. climb. Oh good!
Looking back at Sunrise parking lot
The climb steepens from here
Great views the entire length of this trail
Long busy stretch of trail
Valley views
Frozen Lake (not so frozen)
Almost to First Burroughs
Still climbing
Even more climbing
View from First Burroughs
East view from First Burroughs
Heading to Second Burroughs
East view from Second Burroughs
View from Second Burroughs
Heading to Third Burroughs
Starting the long steep climb
More climbing
View from Third Burroughs
East view from Third Burroughs
View from Third Burroughs
Heading back just as the clouds start to roll in
Trekking through snow
Long road back
Taking a different trail back from here
Sunrise Rim Trail
More great views
Meadow
