Cracked ice, falling rocks and tons (like 35 square miles) of snow piled on a 14,000 foot tall mountain sounds dangerous in and of itself. Now, throw in unpredictable weather and deep, glacial crevasses that claim the lives of dozens of climbers every year and decide whether you want to put yourself on the line to get up close and personal with Rainier by summiting its peak.

If you are anything like me, you want to be able to get as close to the mountain as you can, but still be safe and be able to be back by dinnertime. It may seem like an impossible compromise, but it exists. This far less dangerous and much more accessible way to get close to Rainier is a peak called Burroughs mountain that runs perpendicular to Rainier’s northeast slope.

The Burroughs’ most unique feature is that the hike is composed of three separate burroughs that increase in difficulty. Because of this, the hike can be modified to fit any hiker’s ability while still offering unparalleled views of the mountain.

The hike to Burroughs Mountain starts in the parking lot of Sunrise Lodge and climbs up the ridge. At the top of the ridge, take a left at the fork in the trail and head toward Sunrise Lake and Fremont Lookout. Once you reach Sunrise Lake, keep heading straight toward Mount Rainier and follow the signs for First and Second Burroughs.

As the name implies, First Burroughs will be the first stop. The trail climbs steeply up through shale and tundra landscape for less than a mile before dropping you onto a flat, barren and usually windy plateau.

This is the most crowded of the burroughs, so continue on to Second Burroughs for a more intimate experience.

The trail descends slightly and narrows as it zig-zags up a second mountain of shale. At the top of Second Burroughs is the coolest chair you will ever see. Sit and stare up at Rainier and its cracked glaciers in their 100 percent unobstructed glory.

This is as far as most hikers go. Personally, I recommend going all the way to Third Burroughs. I promise you it will be worth the time and effort.

The hike to Third Burroughs is no joke, just seeing it off in the distance is enough to make most hikers put it out of their minds and turn back. Don’t do this. Continue on the trail and follow it down the back of Second Burroughs and drop into the valley. You’ll see a twisting trail jogging up Third Burroughs.

Take the switchbacks up through the tundra, climb the last steep steps up to the top and marvel at the glaciers and the sheer size of the volcano before you.

Once you’ve gotten your fill (or the sun begins to set) head back to the lodge with the feeling that you’ve gotten the closest you could without summiting. And you get to be back for dinner.