Gothic Basin — Thursday, Sep. 23, 2004

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

I hiked to the Twin Bridges on the North Fork of the Sauk River on the road to Monte Cristo from Barlow Pass and headed up the trail to Gothic Basin. I wanted to check out the basin when it was snow free as the other times I had been up there is was under several feet of the white stuff. At the first major creek crossing most of the old cemented rocks are now gone so more rock hopping is in order. The trail to this creek was built serveral years ago the replace the river crossing. The trail now follows the old miners trail original built over 100 years ago, 1896. Part of it was rebuilt with new switchbacks in the lower section before getting to the first creek gulley, although there are still some steep sections. I stopped for a snack break at creek gully #1 before continueing on to the basin. From here on the trail gets really tough. It is steep, rocky, muddy in spots and a few areas with some rock scrambing. You need to really watch where you are putting your feet as you go along. The views open up before getting to the basin with the west side of Silver Tip Peak and several peaks of the Monter Cristo area. Two more creek gully crossings before getting to King Kong's Showerbath waterfall. Further on is a side trail that goes to the site of the old Del Campo Mine. Then more steep trail to the opening of Gothic Basin at 5,000'. The area looks much different with all the snow gone and the granite rocks showing. I eat lunch at one of the ponds, then wondered around to take some photos. The only bugs I saw were a few butterflies. You can see Mt. Pugh and Sloan Peak to the north. Then is was time for the hike back down to Barlow Pass. Didn't see anyone else until I ran into three guys heading up to camp over night and climb Gothic Peak. Only 3 trees blown down over the trail, but easy to get under. I used the vegi belay in a couple spots on the upper section of the trail. This trail will give your legs a great workout!!!