Gothic Basin
North Cascades
Gothic Basin is experiencing consistently busy conditions. Parking at the Barlow Pass trailhead often fills, requiring roadside parking, even by mid-morning. Reports from July 2026 indicate no significant snow hindering the trail or basin. Hikers describe the trail as steep and rocky, especially after the initial flat section, with some sections requiring careful footing. Recent trail work has been noted, with mixed reactions. A new pit toilet is available in the basin. Foggy Lake can still have ice, and some hikers recommend trekking poles for stability on loose rock. Many consider it a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views.
generated from 67 reports
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Beautiful day on the mountain!!! Got to the trailhead at about 3 pm, there were a lot of cars parked but found a spot easily. Took about 2.5 brutal, sweaty hours to get to the top. Passed several grou...
We arrived at 9:00 am on a Saturday, parking lot was full but plenty of road parking. Don’t be fooled by the first few miles or overall length/elevation. After mile 2 it gets STEEP.Whenever you think ...
Drive in was fine, starts flat but once the elevation gain starts it doesn’t stop. Not extreme, but the consistent gain pushes you. Trail was pretty busy with people, though not crowded. Took us 6 hou...
No snow. Extremely busy - got there around 9am but had to park on road like 0.4 miles from trailhead. The entire time I saw so many backpackers going up - atleast 40 people I think. So much busier tha...
Great place to spend a night as always. The trail is steep and rocky but hopefully anyone coming here knows that from the description. It was no worse than a few years ago.To the WTA: I appreciate the...
Hike with incredible views. Make sure to bring lots of water; the terrain is manageable but steep, and breaks were periodically needed. Overall, gorgeous views, and I highly recommend trekking to Fogg...
Got to the trailhead at 10am on a Saturday, it was very lively, we managed to snag a spot from someone who must have just left but it’s busy. Easy first two miles to the trail then unrelenting incline...
Hiked Gothic Basin with the family today. A beautiful area, especially once you hit the basin itself. Views in all directions. A few snow field remnants, but they are more for curiosity than anything ...
At 10:30 all parking lots very full but finding a spot along the road was very feasible. No snow on the lake or trail. All major trail obstructions are cleared or easily navigable. The hike itself is ...
Trail is as described and well maintained. Lots of fellow hikers - not surprising on a lovely summer day. Bugs were fine.
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