Shriner Peak - Mt. Rainier, WA

I took advantage of the sunny weather last Sunday to aim at Shriner Peak. The temperature was warm enough for hiking in shorts and T-shirt even though it was a little breezy. This is a strenuous hike with a reward of a spectacular 360 view and an old fire lookout just southeast of Mt. Rainier. The trail ascends continuously in a long stretch without many switchbacks. After hiking through the forest, the trail breaks open exposed to the sun. About halfway through, you'd wish the summit is soon to reach when you come to the open saddle. And yet, Shriner Peak looms before you...the peak is still way up and even looks rather steep. The trail leads you on up and up for the second half. Pace yourself and enjoy wonderful views along the way....the majestic view of Mt. Rainier cheers you up. After 4 miles of the continuous upward trek, the reward is for you to enjoy spectacular vistas from the old fire lookout which proudly stands alone on the top. Take in the 360 view from there....Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and other N. Cascade ranges. There is also a camp site with a "fancy" toilet at the summit. 

8 miles RT

3,500 ft gain.

Highest Point: 5,834 ft 

Fremont Lookout - Mt. Rainier, WA

The trail to Fremont Lookout begins to ascend dramatically soon after Frozen Lake...moderate to strenuous. The views are marvelous along the way....Mt. Rainier, Burroughs mountain, Skyscraper mountain, Berkeley Park. At the top, the view north of the lookout offers the entire range of the North Cascades...Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Stuart and other peaks that you may be familiar with. What a view! 

At Frozen Lake where the main trail splits, you also have a choice to hike other adventures like Burroughs mountain, Shadow Lake, Berkeley Park, Mystic Lake/Wonderland, and much more. I explored Berkeley Park down towards the valley to see fall colors....berry bushes and heather are just turning colors now. I returned to Sunrise via Shadow Lake. Two thumbs up!

5 miles RT

Gain: 800 ft.

Highest Point: 7200 ft. 

 

 

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