Left TH @ 705am and biked to the Gothic Basin trailhead. Trail is in great condition, and views opened up after the steep switchbacks through the dense forest. Once upon entering the sub alpine zone, the Monte Cristo range is in view. We finally reached the Basin and started up towards Foggy lake. It seems I take a different route up this every time. We made our way around the lake and then up the right side of the peak following the climbers trail which is real easy to follow. The trail heads left under the main peak on the ledge system until the talus slopes are reached. We headed towards the notch and then strated the 3rd class climbing about 100 feet belwo the notch. It is easy climbing with some looseness here and there. Once at a saddle, a easy gulley system takes you to the summit. We hit the summit around 1230 and rested for a few minutes. Views of everything were available, Rainier, Baker, Shuksan, Eldorado, Dome Peak, and more. We were being followed by about 12 other hikers that were close behind us and decided to party on the summit. Large groups like this should not be allowed in such a fragile area. High impact on the meadows and tarns are eveident over the past few years. Do your part and limit your party size. Don't forget to wear a helmet on this scramble as there are loose rocks and all it takes is one rock to hit your head and send you down the side of the mountain. We hauled down through the basin and back to the trailhead and the cars after our short bike ride at 305pm. BIKES are very nice to have for this trip. scott@cascadeguide.com

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!!!

Arrived at the trail head at 0945. Walked about a 1/2 mile down the Monte Cristo road to a small wooden bridge and turned right thinking it was the trail head. About 2 minutes later figured I must have made an error as this little spur didn't seem well enough traveled to be the famed Gothic Basin Trial. So, doubled back and went further down the road. Came to a signed trail and off I went. Passed only a total of 6 other hikers. Hot day on the trail, with only light bugs. The trail is snow free and in great shape the entire distance. Bring your hard soled lug boots with good ankle support, there are multiple loose rock scrambles along this trail. Several waterfalls visible today. Ate lunch in the basin of a waterfall and took some photos and headed out. Arrived back at the truck at 4pm. Nice day on the trail with a great workout. This one is fairly steep, so be aware.

The trail to Gothic Basin is in good shape, and while moving the bugs not terrible. We made it to about 4500' on the trail and enjoyed great views of Red Ledge, Silvertip, National Peak, Sheep and Gemini, and numerous other points of interest. The trail is steep -- Lance would have trouble on it.

I'll just ditto what Pilchuck Pete had to say about our trip. But I wanted to add a couple more photos to wet your appetite! This trip is well worth the effort!