Gothic Basin — Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

This family overnight trip was chosen by our 22 year old son; who is very fit and loves a challenge. I quickly noticed I was the oldest person (67) on the trail by a long shot, and maybe I shouldn't be writing a review, (considering my age) but I say this is a tough hike. The hike starts out for a mile on the Monte Cristo road, which is pretty flat, then continues on a trail for about mile, which is also pretty flat and then becomes steep switchbacks. Once you get to the waterfall crossing the trail starts going up even more, with lots of rocks and roots to navigate. After about a mile of that the trail gets even more challenging: steeper (if that's possible), rougher; mostly a dry creek bed. This section has some minor scrambling involved in the last mile but there is little exposure, just up and more up. The basin itself is very rocky and campsites are here and there among the rocks. Would I do this hike again, doubtful but mainly because I have a long list of hikes to do. We met a lot of 20-something groups on the trail but most were day hikers. During the night a storm came through with rain, thunder, and lighting; still raining in the morning. All in all, a very challenging trail with big rewards at the top.  It took us 4.5 hours to get to the top and almost 4 hours to get down; as we/I was pretty careful with my footing going down.  Hiking poles were a BIG plus. I was very glad to see the Monte Cristo road and then the car. I suggest Papas Mexican in Lake Stevens afterwards.