Burroughs Mountain - Mt. Rainier, WA

This is a great hike to take in spectacular views of Mt. Rainier all the way from the beginning to the end of the trail.  There are three Burroughs you can hike one after another. First and Second Burroughs are easy to moderate, and Third is strenuous.  

It seems like most hikers turn around at Second Burroughs which offers an amazing view of Mt. Rainier right before you.  If you want a little more challenge and have stamina, Third Burroughs offers the closet view of the glaciers. If you have binoculars with you, you can even measure the depth of crevasses, perhaps.  

Take in the panoramic view north of there....Mt. baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Stuart, other Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.  Also, Puget Sound cities are visible....it was my first time ever to be able to see Seattle/Bellevue from Mt. Rainier! On the way back down to First Burroughs, I spotted three bears....mother bear and two cubs.  They were big and their fur was golden brown almost like a grizzly bear.  What an awesome day hike!

9.0 miles RT

Gain: 2600 ft.

Highest Point: 7828 ft.

First Burrough

Second Burrough

Third Burrough

Skyscraper Mountain - Mt. Ranier, WA

If your wish is to have a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier just for yourself right before you, Skyscraper Mountain will grant your wish. There was no one else, but myself, at the top of Skyscraper Mountain when I was there...my wish granted! 

The hike is easy to moderate over all and mostly leveled with some ups and downs in a moderate grade. The final push to the summit of Skyscraper is steep, but most hikers could handle it....300 feet gain in less than a half mile. In addition to Skyscraper Mountain, there are a few other options to explore en route to/from Sunrise if you have extra time and stamina....Fremont Lookout, Burroughs Mountain and Shadow Lake which is on the way to/from Sunrise. 

The northeast side of Sunrise is mostly open range and there aren't many trees to provide a shade along the trail. Bring enough water and sunscreen. Luckily, there was a nice breeze when I hiked last Sunday. This hike is a great outing for families and kids, and those who want to have a taste of Wonderland trail, too. And of course, you can't take your eyes off Mt. Rainier!

RT: 8.5 miles

Gain: 1,078'

Highest point: 7,078'

Driving Directions:

From Enumclaw, take State Route 410 to the Mount Rainier National Park White River Entrance. Drive onto the Sunrise Road and follow it 17 miles west to the large parking lot at the Sunrise visitor center.

 

 

Summerland and Panhandle Gap - Wonderland Trail, Mt. Rainier, WA

Summerland

“The hills are alive with the sound of music...." The lyrics of The Sound of Music will echo as you hike along Summerland trail. Summerland is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park. It is part of Wonderland Trail (93 mile loop trail which goes around Mt. Rainier) and also the highest segment of the loop. 

Summerland trail travels along Fryingpan Creek and gradually ascends through the forest for the first 3 miles with grand vistas of waterfalls and mountain peaks.  Be entertained with a number of creek-crossings and log bridges one after another, and the hike is pleasant and exciting, but never monotonous. The trail climbs steep for the last 1 mile in tight switchbacks before reaching the splendor of Summerland’s spectacular mountain vistas and beautiful wild flower meadows.  Enjoy the reward after the final push. It is such a heavenly place....“the hills are alive with the sound of music”. 

The following 2 miles from Summerland lead you up to Panhandle Gap…the land of rocks and snow/ice. The trail climbs the eastern wall of Summerland basin by Fryingpan Glacier, and the last ascent of the trail is to traverse the steep ridge of Panhandle Gap (6,800’) and scramble to the rocky top.  The views are spectacular....behind the trail is Summerland and Mount Rainier with glacier views, and on the opposite side the valley of Ohanapecosh pans out toward Indian Bar which is a halfway point to Box Canyon. Take a good look at the view south of Panhandle Gap as you ascend. The towering peak seen in the distance is Mt. Adams (12.280’).  

Summerland is a great hike where you can experience in just one day the essence of what Wonderland Trail offers.  It’s not only a wonderful wilderness hike, but also an unforgettable journey for its beauty and splendor.

 

Roundtrip - 12 miles 

Elevation Gain - 2,950’ 

Highest Point - 6,800’

How to get there: From Enumclaw, drive east 43 miles on State Route 410 to the Mount Rainier National Park White River Entrance.  Drive about 4 miles on Sunrise Road to the trailhead parking near the bridge over Fryingpan Creek.

Panhandle Gap