Gothic Basin

Gothic Basin has a reputation for being steep. I'm suddenly realizing that summer is quickly passing, I want to schedule hikes I haven't done or haven't done in a long time. Roundtrip to the basin is 9.2 miles and 2,840 feet elevation gain, highest point is 5200 feet. The hike is located off the Mountain Loop highway but not too bad a drive for the day. Hike begins at Barlow Pass with a one-mile road walk down a closed road that parallels the Sauk River. There are 3 creek crossings that at this point aren't an issue. Along the way, we will enjoy views of Monte Cristo. Should the group want to hike further, we can consider continuing on to Foggy Lake about an additional 0.4miles from the basin.
There is a toilet at the trailhead, Northwest Forest Pass. Let's plan on meeting by 9am and hiking by 9:15. I have other days currently available to hike this same week, so if enough people have another day that works, please leave a comment and I'll change it. Just not a Saturday or Sunday due to large crowds.
Getting there: Google maps of course. Take Hwy 92 to its end in Granite Falls. At the T intersection near the east end of town, turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway. Follow this road 11 miles to the Verlot Ranger Station. 19.3 miles past the ranger station is Barlow Pass and the end of paved road. Here you will find a parking lot on the left side of the road.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gothic-basin