The hike here is every bit as formidable as the visuals on display. After the mild opening act, you will be tested with a tangle of roots, bare rock, mud, and loose rock at an imperious incline until you eventually ascend into the basin. Then it will all be worth it.
Follow the white marker flags (conveniently invisible in fog, unfortunately) from the initial opening of the basin to Foggy Lake. Take your time on the climb here (unless you're like me and only have one speed)- both your wide eyes and weary legs will thank you. The continuing beauty of this area relies upon your ability to stay on the trail and pack your waste out (or make proper use of the toilets). We had some remarkable luck with weather conditions as the heavy fog cleared dramatically just meters from our entry to the basin at around noon, and it remained completely clear at Foggy Lake for our brief stay.
We started out from the Barlow Point lot on Monday around 9am and were the third car in the lot and second group to register for Gothic Basin at the kiosk for the day (shortly after the junction on Weden Creek Trail). I've checked the box for berries, but for most of the ascent, blueberries are either withering or watery. Blueberries from the basin itself were much more in season, but not overly abundant along the trails. If you want a strenuous hike in this area with striking views and a more fulfilling berry scene, try Dickerman.
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