Sourdough Ridge and Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail

Starting your adventure near Pierce County, Washington, the Sourdough Ridge and Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail offers a captivating journey through the rugged beauty of Mount Rainier National Park. This 8 km (5 miles) loop trail, with an elevation gain of approximately 300 meters (984 feet), is rated as medium difficulty, making it accessible for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transportation. If driving, head towards the Sunrise Visitor Center, located at 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304. Ample parking is available at the visitor center. For those using public transport, the closest major city is Seattle. From Seattle, you can take a bus or train to Enumclaw, and then a shuttle service or taxi to the Sunrise Visitor Center.

Trail Navigation

For navigation, it's highly recommended to use HiiKER, which provides detailed maps and real-time updates. The trail is well-marked, but having a reliable navigation tool ensures you stay on track and can enjoy the hike without any worries.

Trail Highlights

The trail begins at the Sunrise Visitor Center, where you can take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views of Mount Rainier. As you start your ascent along Sourdough Ridge, you'll be greeted by a variety of wildflowers during the summer months, including lupines, paintbrushes, and asters.

Sourdough Ridge

Approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) into the hike, you'll reach the crest of Sourdough Ridge. This section offers stunning views of the Cascade Range to the north and the Emmons Glacier to the south. Keep an eye out for marmots and pikas, which are often seen scurrying among the rocks.

Frozen Lake

Continuing along the ridge, you'll come to Frozen Lake at around the 3.2 km (2 miles) mark. This small, serene lake is a great spot for a short break. The lake is fed by snowmelt and remains icy cold even in the summer. From here, the trail begins to climb more steeply as you head towards Burroughs Mountain.

Burroughs Mountain

The ascent to the first Burroughs Mountain summit is challenging but rewarding. At approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) into the hike, you'll reach the first summit, which stands at an elevation of about 2,438 meters (8,000 feet). The views from here are breathtaking, with Mount Rainier dominating the skyline. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Adams and Mount Baker.

Wildlife and Flora

The trail is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Besides marmots and pikas, you might spot mountain goats and black bears, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of Clark's nutcrackers and golden eagles. The flora varies with elevation, from subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers to alpine tundra near the summits.

Historical Significance

Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899, is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The area around Sourdough Ridge and Burroughs Mountain has been a popular hiking destination for over a century. The park is named after Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano that last erupted in the 19th century. The indigenous Puyallup Tribe called the mountain "Tahoma," meaning "the mountain that was god."

Final Descent

After soaking in the views from Burroughs Mountain, the trail loops back towards the Sunrise Visitor Center. The descent offers a different perspective of the landscape, with opportunities to spot more wildlife and enjoy the changing scenery as you lose elevation.

This loop trail is a perfect blend of natural beauty, moderate challenge, and historical significance, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting Mount Rainier National Park.