Mount Burke

Route Description for Mount Burke

Even though the hike up Mount Burke is not very popular, the parking lot is not very spacious, so coming slightly earlier might help you get a guaranteed spot. Wearing hiking boots is beneficial, as the path gets rocky near the top.

Start from the parking lot and take the obvious path at the far end of it. You will be walking through a beautiful meadow with some sparse trees and bushes. Soon the path will split, so keep to your left. If you wonder were the right path goes, it leads along the Salter Creek and soon disappears into the riverbed. That is where the old trail to the Mount Burke used to be, but it has been washed out.

Soon you will emerge into the forest. The current path to Mount Burke goes on the cutline, therefore it’s very straight. After a couple of ups-and-downs, the path up will open up in front of you. It’s a straight line with a significant elevation gain, and it looks intimidating. A few switchbacks would really help here, but you’ve got this!

Soon, you’ll come to the small T-junction. Keep to your left and you’ll end up on switchbacks.

After switchbacking through the forest for a while, you will emerge from the treeline. This is where the beautiful part of the hike begins. The views of the surrounding foothills will open up, and soon you’ll see the false summit in front of you.

As you approach the top, the path will get rocky. There’s one part where those afraid of heights might feel a bit uneasy, but it’s not difficult or very exposed and it’ll be over quickly.

Go all the way up to the old fire watch hut and enjoy the views! Looking north, you can see the north peak of Mount Burke, to the south you can see Plateau Mountain, to the east, prairies, to the west, the stunning white-capped peaks of the Rockies.

Go back the same way you came. It’s important to note that the small junction just before the straight portion of the path (the same one you came up, it will be on your right now) might tempt you down the old trail, but we suggest against taking it. It leads to slippery, steep gravel all the way to the Salter Creek bed, and is a generally dusty and unpleasant trek. Stick to the same path you came up and you’ll end up back at the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Mount Burke

• Those who are up for a challenge might want to make a loop of the hike, continuing to the north peak of Mount Burke. Please note that this path is not maintained, involves some scrambling, and the route might be hard to find at some parts.
• Consider spending a night at Cataract Creek Campground. This is a quiet and peaceful campground that is rarely full. Go for the sites facing the river!