Features:

This another gem of a hike in the Mt. Rainier National Park. The trail head for this ambitious hike is located at the same trail head as Comet Falls along the Longmire-Paradise highway.

If you have ever hiked to Comet Falls, the first half of this hike is a repeat of that adventure.

This hike to Burroughs Mountain takes you over the First Burroughs Mountain and the Second Burroughs Mountain on your way to the actual Burroughs Mountain. Because there are so many excellent hikeing trails that begin at the Sunrise Visitor Center Parking area, there are several different ways to accomplish this hike.

The map as well as my description of the hike will be leaving Sunrise VC and following the Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake and then on to the 3 mountains that make up Burroughs Mountain.

I list this hike as difficult due not so much to the distance but to the total elevation gain of over 2565 feet. The hike consists of a lot of climbing and descending, only to climb again over and over.... BUT, it is so worth it.

Nevertheless, this is a world class hike with many rewards. It is not unusual to see the pika or marmot of even mountain goats along this trail. Because of the high elevation of this hike, only the lower portion of the trail provides an incredible wildflower display in July and August.

In the fall, up until the snow falls and the road is closed, this is a very worthwhile hike.

Mt. Rainier from the Mildred Point overlook

How to get there:

It is actually a bit of a challenge to reach the Comet Falls trailhead (which is the same trailhead for Van Trump Park and Mildred Point) from the north or the east.

From the Yakima, WA area travel on Hwy 12 over White Pass and to the junction of Washington State Road 123. Turn right (or north) on Hwy 123 and drive to the toll entrance of the Mt. Rainier National Park. Follow the park roads from there as if you were going to Longmire. About 4 miles before you get to Longmire, you will come to the parking area for Comet Falls.

Coming from the northwest follow Hwy 410 from Enumclaw, WA for about 41 miles to Cyuse Pass, then instead of turning left to Chinook Pass continue straight ahead until you come to the toll entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park Steven's Canyon entrance. From this point, just follow the park roads as if you were going to Longmire. About 4 miles east of Longmire, you will come to the parking area for Comet Falls.

Coming from the southwest follow Washington State Hwy 706 from Ashford and pass through Longmire. About 4 miles east of Longmire on the highway to Paradise, you will come to the parking area for Comet Falls.