Parish Hikes

   

Hike #5: Mt. Burroughs Hike

Burroughs Mountain is so close to Mt. Rainier itself, that there is literally nothing but air separating hikers from an "in your face" perspective of the crevasse cracked glaciers that flank the steep sides of Rainier. Burroughs Mountain has three close-together peaks — actually, broad plateaus — with the parish destination being popular Second Burroughs. The trail to our destination is only 2.6 miles in length — rather modest but at a higher elevation with thinner air.

Exciting views
Unless it is cloudy, the views of Mt. Rainier are constant from the minute hikers leave their cars in the massive, paved Sunrise parking area. Be ready to catch your breath because the trail starts at 6,400 feet in elevation, and goes up from there. Fortunately, the "goes up" is easy and gentle. The elevation might make the trail seem hard for some, but this is truly a beginners trail. In fact, the trail is wide enough for a jeep to drive on for the first half.

Even though the parking lot is huge, tourist traffic can make it quite crowded. Parish hikers usually meet at the west end of the parking lot close to the old "fort" and the lavatories. Late arrivals will find the trailhead located just behind the very ample lavatories. For the sybaritic hiker, there is even a good snack shop where burgers and fries can be purchased, amongst other things. The first several hundred feet of the trail is a paved road. Since we are in a national park, signage marking the trail is obvious.

A series of other trails are part of the first 1.3 miles of the Burroughs Mt. Trail. Once past Frozen Lake, the trail splits and heads in different directions. Be sure to take the obvious, clearly marked, up-hill trail to Burroughs. A large wooden sign indicates that the terrain hikers are going through is similar to that in the Arctic tundra. Elevation and dryness have a lot to do with this feature.

During the entire hike, the terrain and flower meadows are extremely fragile. It will be extremely important that parents make sure their children both refrain from picking flowers and also stay on the trail, especially around Frozen Lake.

Depending on the winter snow pack, several small patches of snow may remain in shady sections of the trail that also have a steep drop off. Extreme caution should be exercised in crossing any snow since a slip could cause serious injury.

How to get there
Go to Enumclaw and take Highway 410 east toward Crystal Mountain ski area and Mt. Rainier National Park. If you find yourself driving through Buckley, you have gone west on Highway 410 - the wrong direction.

When you reach the boundary of Mt. Rainier Park, you will drive through a lovely log archway. After a bit you will reach a turnoff on the right that says "Sunrise" and "White River". That is the direction to take. You are now about 46 miles from church. Once you reach the park fee station, rangers will collect the current per car entrance fee. On weekends there can be a long lineup here so give yourself ample time. Also, be aware that traffic on weekends is very high and slow. Don't expect to be able to drive faster than 45 m.p.h., unless you leave early and have breakfast at the Sunrise parking lot - the recommended procedure. Bring your own breakfast since the snack bar may not yet be open for the day.

The road from here on is generally a 35 m.p.h. road. Stay on it all the way to Sunrise. Do not turn in at White River Campground. The Sunrise parking area is about 62 slow miles from church.

What to wear
Since the trail is broad and well graded, sturdy athletic shoes should be adequate, except for crossing any snow patches. In that case, athletic shoes could be slippery. Hiking shoes or boots are always the best. If it is sunny, bring sun block. It will be extremely bright with no shade.

Carry water and lunch. Even slow hikers should be at Second Burroughs no later than 11:30am. Bring light wind breakers or a sweater. Remember, you will be at high altitude and even a small breeze can create quite a wind chill. During lunch at the top, there is nothing to shelter behind, the area being a 360 degree view point. Sun glasses and a hat with brim should be considered standard gear for this hike.