My first time doing this hike and it was awesome. The trail is in good shape and the basin is very fun. The steep sections of the trail both in the forest and once you are higher and more exposed are challenging but fun. The basin was a great reward for the climb with the views and fun landscape to scamper over. We stopped there for lunch and I wanted to linger up there as long as possible with the sun shining the way it was today. We encountered some small amounts of snow and ice on higher parts of the trail but nothing our trail running shoes couldn't handle with a bit of caution. 

Gothic basin was gorgeous today under a blue sky and about 2 to 3 inches of snow in the basin itself. The trail up was typically steep and rocky and some new (to me) steps and a chain handrail at the most challenging section about 3/4 of the way up (where water tends to wash over boulders and freeze) made that part much safer - thank you to whoever did that.  I encountered snow and hard frost at about 4,000 feet on the way up and there was 2 - 3 inches of snow in the basin, but the sun had softened it, so it was easy to hike and follow the trail to the lake without microspikes. (I brought them but didn't need them). I would recommend bringing microspikes on future hikes especially if the temperatures dip).

Smoky, but fun.  The second half has more varied terrain.

I’ve been wanting to do this trail for a while and I would say that in general, it did not disappoint. The views start to open up after a few miles but you don’t get up into the basin until the last half mile or so - that’s where the gorgeousness is, in the form of an amazingly rocky landscape, sparkling tarns, and a stunning lake nestled into the rocks at the end of the trail.

Caution: this trail is exceptionally rocky in general, and I would not recommend doing it in wet weather.

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.