Location and surroundings
Burroughs Mountain lies in the Mount Rainier North Foothills, part of the Mount Rainier Area in the South Washington Cascades of the Cascade Range. This is in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is the highest point of the Mount Rainier North Foothills and the highest of its 29 named peaks.
The mountain sits in a rugged alpine landscape shaped by volcanic terrain, snowfields, and steep ridges. The surrounding country is high and open, with major peaks close by and Mount Rainier dominating the wider skyline to the southwest.
Neighbouring peaks
- Mount Ruth — 2,635 m, 2.8 km south; the nearest higher peak.
- Skyscraper Mountain — 2,131 m, 3.1 km north.
- Mineral Mountain — 1,985 m, 3.3 km west.
- Steamboat Prow — 2,940 m, 3.6 km southwest.
- Old Desolate — 2,071 m, 3.8 km northwest.
- Baker Point — 2,014 m, 4.2 km southeast.
- Mount Fremont — 2,230 m, 4.4 km northeast.
- K Spire — 2,708 m, 4.9 km south.
Compared with these neighbours, Burroughs Mountain is a high but not dominant summit; several nearby peaks rise higher, especially to the south and southwest.
The view from the summit
From Burroughs Mountain, the main high points within 25 km are led by Mount Rainier at 4,392 m, 6.4 km southwest. Other major summits include Tahoma Cleaver to the southwest, Little Tahoma Peak to the south, Anvil Rock farther south, Observation Rock to the west, and Tokaloo Rock to the southwest.
The summit outlook is therefore centered on the Mount Rainier massif and its satellite peaks, with broad views across a volcanic alpine landscape rather than isolated distant ranges.
The range
Burroughs Mountain belongs to the Mount Rainier North Foothills, whose high point is Burroughs Mountain itself. That subrange is part of the Mount Rainier Area, then the South Washington Cascades, the Cascade Range, the Pacific Coast Ranges, and the North American Cordillera.
Within its own range, Burroughs Mountain ranks first by elevation among 29 named peaks. In the wider Mount Rainier landscape, it is one of several high summits near the volcano, but it is lower than the main cone of Mount Rainier.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data adjusted to summit elevation. At the summit, the warmest month is about August at 6 °C, while the coldest is about December at -6 °C. Around the mountain, the wettest months are about January and November at 235 mm each, while July is driest at about 20 mm. Annual precipitation is about 1,600 mm.
Expect snow, rapid weather changes, wind, poor visibility, and lingering icy patches well into the season. Even in summer, conditions can shift quickly on open ridges and volcanic slopes.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are about June, July, August, and September. Those are the most practical months for travel, with the best chance of snow-free or partly snow-free ground and longer daylight.
For drier conditions, July and August are the least wet months in the surrounding area. Early summer can still hold snow, while autumn often turns colder and wetter again.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a high Cascade environment where subalpine forest gives way to open rock, gravel, snow patches, and alpine meadows at lower edges. Vegetation thins quickly with elevation, and exposed slopes are shaped by cold, wind, and a short growing season.
Wildlife in this region commonly includes mountain birds, small mammals, and larger forest animals at lower elevations, with fewer animals on the highest ground. Near the summit, the main living features are hardy alpine plants and seasonal snowmelt.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain in this terrain, a certified guide is most useful for visitors who are unfamiliar with snow travel, route-finding, or changing alpine weather. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
People usually look to local guide services, tourist offices, or the national guide association for current conditions and trip planning. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. On Mount Rainier and nearby high terrain, permits or climbing registration may apply on glaciers or above the high camps.
Safety and preparation
Burroughs Mountain is a high alpine peak, so visitors should be prepared for cold, wind, snow, and limited shelter. Good footwear, layers, navigation skills, and the ability to turn back in poor weather are important. In shoulder seasons, snow travel may still be necessary.
For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or national park.
Interesting facts
Burroughs Mountain is the highest of 29 named peaks in the Mount Rainier North Foothills. It is also the high point of that range. The nearest higher peak is Mount Ruth, 2.8 km to the south.
The summit is 6.4 km from Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the area and the dominant mountain in the wider view. Burroughs Mountain’s position makes it a high foothills summit rather than the main volcanic summit itself.
FAQ
How high is Burroughs Mountain? It rises to 2,386 m.
Where is Burroughs Mountain? It is in Pierce County, Washington, in the United States, within the Mount Rainier North Foothills.
What range is it part of? It belongs to the Mount Rainier North Foothills, inside the Mount Rainier Area, the South Washington Cascades, and the Cascade Range.
What is the nearest higher peak? Mount Ruth, at 2,635 m, lies 2.8 km south.
What is the highest peak in the range? Burroughs Mountain is the highest point of the Mount Rainier North Foothills.
Is there water on the way to Burroughs Mountain? Plan to carry your own supply; on this high, exposed terrain, water is often limited to seasonal snowmelt and should be treated. For a day outing, carry about 1.5 to 3 litres, depending on heat and route length.
When is the best time to go? The most suitable months are usually June through September, with the driest period around July and August.