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Trip Report    

Winter Scramble - Third Burroughs & Skyscraper Traverse

A tempestuous tundra traverse with gorgeous views of Mount Rainier. This strenuous trip began/ended at White River Campground and ascended the basin SSE of 3rd Burroughs.

Dave Morgan Dave Morgan
October 07, 2019
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The White River campground was snow free, but recent substantial snows could be seen above with strong winds out of the North blowing spindrift from the various ridges.  No snowshoes were needed to attain 3rd Burroughs, but deep drifts (and ~20 mph winds/temps in the 20s) made us glad to have them on the traverse over to the 3rd Burroughs - 2nd Burroughs ridge at ~6800’ (just above the rock scramble section).  The recent snows in this rocky section made for slow going.  The wind blown South ridge of Skyscraper had only light amounts of snow.  The remainder of the trip did not require snowshoes or micro-spikes.

A gorgeous alpine traverse of ~14 miles and ~4700’ gain, with breathtaking views and brisk weather.  For variety we used the basin SSE of 3rd Burroughs to reach the low spot in the ridge S of 3rd Burroughs:

40E8F242-3495-44A2-A13E-27398FB28798.jpegbefore ascending N to the summit.  Due to weather/snow conditions/day length we skipped 2nd Burroughs.  Total time was ~10 hours, with ~4 hours on the ascent to 3rd Burroughs, and ~2.5 hours between 3rd Burroughs and Skyscraper.  Photos from this and other trips to this venue can be seen here.