Gothic Basin — Saturday, Aug. 9, 1997

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Glacier Peak Area - Weden Creek trail was overgrown, rocky, rooty, etc -- in other words more of a climbers trail than a hiking trail. Upon reaching Gothic Basin, we found a beautiful snowy vista, and the lakes in the basin were still mostly covered with snow and ice as well. After ascending several snowfields, we scrambled up a rock gully a few yards, veered left along a shelf, and scrambled up and to the right along great stair steps with bomber handholds. We worked our way back to the left slightly and were on the summit of Del Camp before we knew it. Its really not nearly as difficult as it looks from below. 5.5 hours from the car at Monte Cristo road. Incredible views.