Gothic Basin — North Cascades

Date Hiked: August 21-22, 2022

Because I grew up on Bainbridge Island, my hiking backyard was the Olympic National Park. In order to go backpacking in this region, backcountry permits are required which always made my bucket-list hikes rather inaccessible. I have finally discovered the bliss of backpacking in the National Forests and Wilderness areas. While the parking lots require a Northwest Forest Pass, you do not need a backcountry permit to camp in these areas (except for some select places like the Enchantments or the Wonderland Trail). Gothic Basin has been on my list for a long time, and my friend and I were lucky enough to do it as an overnight backpacking trip, no permit required!

One of many waterfalls on the way to Gothic Basin

We arrived at the trailhead around 8am. There were quite a few cars parked already, but it was not difficult to find a parking spot. We struggled a bit finding the trailhead at first, because this is also the parking lot for Barlow Pass. The Gothic Basin trailhead is south of the Barlow Pass lot, right off the curve of the road through the gate. There are signs that point you toward Gothic Basin, just make sure to bring a map! I recently discovered the Gaia GPS app and use it regularly, along with bringing a physical map and compass.

Day one of our overnight was a blast—very difficult and totally worth the blood, sweat, and tears. The trail was in good condition up until the latter part of the switchbacks. Large rock steps, one or two blowdowns to climb over and under, and some erosion make some passages difficult but doable. Trekking poles came in handy with my large pack on. Take some time to enjoy the many waterfalls along the way, especially on the hot days! We also got to snack on some wild blueberries which made the brutal uphill climb more enjoyable.

Sunset over Foggy Lake

We camped at Foggy Lake and it was stunning. There was a lot of evidence of previous folks lighting campfires. Do not light campfires. This goes against Leave No Trace and puts the fragile environment at risk, especially in the dry summer months. Stoves only, please. We picked up some plastic trash from other parties as well, so please make sure you pack out all of your waste. This goes for hiking with dogs, too! Please do not leave dog-poop bags lining the trail with the hope of remembering it on the way back. If carrying around your dog's poo is too much for you to handle, leave your pup at home.

Upon entry into Gothic Basin, there is a sign for a toilet to the left. I used it, it was a fun experience. It is a bit ramshackle, but it is sturdy enough…it is more a conveyor belt toilet than a pit toilet (yes, you use a foot pedal to ooch your poo up and over the edge into the pit. Like I said, fun. I had never seen this contraption before. I am fascinated.) Please use this toilet instead of digging 6" holes in this fragile ecosystem! The soil is compact, rocky, and full of roots that don't want to be sliced by your trowel.

Sunset over Gothic Basin

Foggy Lake was not too busy for a Sunday, which we appreciated. I went for a pleasant swim after we set up camp. There are many designated areas for tents, so have a walk around before choosing one to make sure you are not laying your tent on any plants. In my humble opinion, we got the best campsite (shown in the title photo). After some exploring around the basin, we cooked dinner and I enjoyed some quiet time reading while my friend went fly fishing. Birds were abundant, and the squeaks from pikas echoed throughout the evening and again the next morning.

Soon after waking Monday morning, I went for a polar plunge—my personal favorite way to wake up while backpacking. After a delicious oatmeal breakfast, swimming, and exploring the upper ridge, we started hiking out around 11am. The mosquitoes were definitely out, but were not too bad the night before. Having a mosquito head-net certainly helped preserve my sanity!

View of Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake from the ridge

Hiking down was brutal. The down felt like it would never end, combined with the windless heat and rocky trail, so we were going a little crazy by 2pm (at least one mental breakdown recorded, mostly because my new-ish boots were too narrow). According to my phone, this trail is roughly 11 miles round trip, so keep that in mind (Washington Trails Association says it is 9.2 miles. I do not know which one is more accurate). Once we made it back, we accepted that the aches and pains were worth the magic that is Gothic Basin.