Gothic Basin - Mountain Loop Highway, WA

Having seen some pictures of Gothic Basin which reminded me of Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe basin, I decided to hike up to Gothic to see its beautiful landscape with my own eyes before winter comes. In short, the hike was rather strenuous, but the reward was more than what I expected. The route climbs steeply through the forest and traverses deeply eroded gullies and alpine terrain. The vistas along the trail are amazing! It is said that Gothic Basin is one of the most spectacular and beautiful on the Mountain Loop Highway.

You have to trek an extra mile to get to Gothic Basin trailhead from where you park at Barlow Pass....the paved road ends there. From the trailhead to the basin is 3.3 miles and the trail ends at Foggy Lake by Del Campo Peak.
About 0.5 mile from the trailhead is easy without much grade. The trail begins to get steep in switchbacks soon after you cross the first creek. The creek was a little tricky to cross because of rapid stream (but, not deep!) and just a few slender logs laid down for crossing. The steep switchbacks kick your butt, no doubt.....be ready to get your heart rate going.
After a mile or so climbing up the steep switchbacks, the next challenge you face is a rocky trail. It's steep with rocks and stones all the way to the basin. Your hands become handy to assist you to ascend depending on steepness and the size of boulders to climb over. Scrambling is not necessary, however.

No pain, no gain! After the strenuous ascent, you deserve the beauty of Gothic Basin's magical landscape. There are many trails and boulders you can hike in the basin. I spent an hour and half exploring the basin and Foggy Lake, but the time passed so fast...I only wished I had more time! Gothic Basin would be a perfect place for camping leisurely to enjoy the beautiful landscape and alpine boulders.

Along the journey, there are many water falls, small and large, close and distant....some are breathtakingly spectacular and make you stop for a picture or two. Take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way....waterfalls and mountain views. You also cross many creeks in this hike. Since there was significant rainfall the day before, water was streaming down along parts of the trail. Sneakers are not recommended for this hike....summer is gone!
Gothic Basin is a beautiful hike of spectacular landscape and terrain with numerous creeks, alpine forest and lakes, boulders, waterfalls and breathtaking mountain peaks. By the way, Gothic Basin is on State Land and is not managed by the US Forest Service.

Church Mountain - Mt. Baker/WA

You notice a towering peak coming into sight between forest lines along HWY 542 when you drive toward Mt. Baker from the ranger station in Glacier. The peak is Church Mountain. Ever since I noticed the majestic appearance of the peak en route to Mt. Baker, climbing Church was one of my bucket lists. I finally made it yesterday. 

Church Mountain is an awesome hike....."no pain, no gain" is well fitting. Although the hike may be a bit strenuous (3,750 ft elevation gain in 4.2 miles), it's worth the effort for the reward you see on the way and at the summit. The trail is well maintained. After 3 miles of hard climbing in numerous steep switchbacks through the deep forest of tall tree growth, the trail comes into an alpine meadow.....be ready to get awestruck by breathtaking views of Church's towering wall and landscape.

As you traverse the meadow, enjoy picturesque Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan juxtaposing on the skyline. Once you cross Deer Horn Creek, the trail begins to climb up again leaving the alpine basin. The view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan gets even better as you gain more elevation into 6,000 ft.

Continue the journey up to the old lookout site on the rocky peak at 6,100 ft. Use caution, however, while climbing up to the rocky top. Wow...the summit offers spectacular 360 panorama in all directions. To be frank, it's one of the best panoramas I've ever seen. Stand on between heaven and earth, and take in all the glory of God's creation and spectacular landscape from Church....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, British Columbia, Kidney Lakes, San Juans, and the vicinity - Skyline Divide, Table Mountain, Ptarmigan Ridge and much more as far as you can see.

It was quite intriguing to watch a hiker I met at the summit flying a drone for aerial filming. Obviously, recreational activities like flying a drone is allowed if not in designated wilderness. In fact, the drone's aerial footage of Church gives a different perspective of the hike and amazing views of the mountain and landscape. Here is the link to watch the drone's aerial views of Church Mountain filmed yesterday by the hiker "North Cascades Aerial". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_GpWmQu8s&feature=youtu.be

Church Mountain....yes, indeed, TWO THUMBS UP! Hallelujah!!

8.5 miles RT

Gain: 3750 ft

Highest Point: 6100 ft