Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail
Table of contents
The Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail is a 16.6 km hard hike in Mount Rainier National Park that takes you between three peaks to various viewpoints. The trail is long but worth the effort, granting you up-close views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, Sourdough Ridge, Mount Fremont, and more. If the full hike is too long for you, you can turn back from the first or second peaks and still have a fantastic day.
Route Description for Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail
The Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail offers unique views from three different summits in one hike, providing the opportunity to push to the furthest peak or reduce your distance if you want a shorter, but still rewarding adventure. From atop the Burroughs, you’ll be able to enjoy Shadow Lake, Sourdough Ridge, Emmons Glacier, and lots more.
If you’d prefer a more moderate journey or the conditions are wet or snowy, we recommend making 2nd Burroughs your turnaround point.
From the White River trailhead, head west on Glacier Basin Trail. At the junction with Burroughs Mountain Trail, keep right. You’ll begin to switchback, climbing up to the summit of the 1st Burroughs. From atop the mountain, follow the trail, keeping left, to 2nd Burroughs.
After the second peak, you’ll reach a 5-way junction. Stay straight onto Sourdough Ridge Trail, skirting Frozen Lake. Stay on this trail as it loses elevation back to the White River Campground, your starting point.
Getting to the Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for this hike is at the end of the White River Campground Road. Take the road to the eastern terminus, parking in the trailhead parking lot. The hike begins next to the patrol cabin.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
White River Campground
When to do:
July-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Loop
Burroughs Mountain Loop via Glacier Basin Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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