This is a camping trip lead by Dave Parent. There is not enough time to travel from home to Sunrise and still make the early morning hike. It is important to arrive at the Sunrise parking lot in the early morning to secure a parking spot.
Thursday July 30 - Dave will arrive at Mount Rainier.
Friday July 31 - Optional scouting day. We will cover a lot of ground to check out conditions and wildlife. This is totally optional.
Saturday August 1 - We hike to First, Second and Third Burroughs Mountain.
In my opinion, Third Burroughs offers the best view in the park of the mountain! It feels like you could reach out and touch it. In addition, we could find birds and mammals that live in high altitudes.
The hike is moderate or strenuous depending on your physical condition and athletic ability. The round trip to Third Burroughs is 9 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. I have seen folks on the trail ranging from six to 80 years old. It will be a long day with stops to rest and bird. Some folks may decide to stop at Second Burroughs which is also a wonderful destination.
Sunday August 2 - Possible morning birding and travel home.
Lodging: Camping at White River Campground or Crystal Mountain, The White River Campground and picnic area is located 5.2 miles from the White River Entrance and 12 miles from the Sunrise Visitor Center. For those who don’t want to camp, you can find possible VRBO’s or lodges at Crystal Mountain or the community of Greenwater. Enumclaw is possible but far away. Each participant is responsible for making their own camping or lodging arrangements.
Possible species - your reward for all that climbing!
Birds - Clark’s Nutcracker, Canada Jay, Raven, American Pipit, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Mountain Bluebird, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Grey-crowned Rosy-finch, Sooty Grouse, Woodpeckers and other species. If we are lucky, we might spot a White-tailed Ptarmigan!
Mammals - Pika, Hoary Marmot, Black Bear, Rocky Mountain Goat, Black-tailed Deer and other species.
Limited to 8 participants, please register below.
For more information email Dave Parent or call 360-969-3676.