Gothic Basin

Gothic Basin is a beautiful, but difficult hike. The weather forecast scared off half our group, but it was perfect (cloudy during assents, then clearing at the top)

Blueberries were at varying stages of maturity particularly from about 4,000 feet and up.
We stopped for lunch at the small pond on the rim of the basin then proceeded another ¼ mile to Foggy Lake where we made our camp. There were only 4 parties in the basin for the night (one at the pond and 3 at the lake.) We spent the evening watching the fish jump and the fog roll in and out (5 or 6 times within 2 hours)

In the morning we were greeted by a quail hen and her 5 almost grown chicks. She watched us for a while then led her offspring right through our camp pecking bugs as they went. As we headed back down we were treated to astounding views of the peaks sticking up through the clouds into the pure blue sky. We descended into the fog which seemed to dissipate as we reached it. We returned home tired, but remembering a fantastic place.

This is a tough hike with roots rocks, and steep inclines enough for everyone. As for trail conditions there is no snow on the trail, little mud, few blowdowns, We found no problem getting through for those hearty enough for this kind of hike. As for us we went slowly 7 ½ hours up and 4 ½ hours down with full packs, photos, and rest stops both ways.