Hiking and climbing mountains inspired me into this life philosophy - LIFE IS A MOUNTAIN. Every step you make leads to summit. You may be forced to turn around or change routes for any cause, never know. But, stay focused and look forward. The mountain will be there always. Pace yourself and reach "your" summit, for every step counts. Enjoy the view and feed your soul as it comes along. Life is a journey, not a destination. Life is like climbing a mountain.....
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.
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!!
