Gothic Basin — Thursday, Jun. 22, 2006

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

One minor blowdown on the brutally steep miner's path. The first of the three gullies is full of snow...solid as of June 23. Last two gullies clear. As stated above, the trail is clear until just after King Kong's showerbath, where you hit several feet of snow on the way to the entrance to Gothic Basin. Ice axe needed. Watch out for stepping on collapsing snowbanks and postholing, especially on the steep parts of the trail. The winter approach to Del Campo is open...it's between King Kong's showerbath and the last gully/waterfall before Gothic Basin. Plenty of snow this year! Very soft in the mid-afternoon. 4 parties were on the trail today.