Mileage: 9.2-13 miles RT
Elevation Gain/Highest: 2840/3300 ft
Map: Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143, Sloan Peak No. 111
Favorite Eats After Hike: LJs Bistro & Bar, Mirkwood Public House, Creekside Ale House, Glorybucha Microbrewery, River Time Brewing, or just Pack A Cooler. You can learn more about these places in my Must Hike Must Eat Eating Out Guide.
Find out current conditions and as always, practice Leave No Trace. Pretty Please.
My Hike:
6/1/16
We had an amazing day in Gothic Basin today, first time for both of us. The last two trip reports on Washington Trail Association did a good job of describing the trail conditions, all I could add was that the trail is basically in horrible condition all the way around. So many sections washed out and lots of scrambling. The trail had a plethora of roots and loose rock, irregularly placed steps, brush pushing you to the outside of the trail and large rocks to maneuver. I had poles but needed my hands a lot. Creek crossing needed poles and/or large leaps to cross.
Directions: Take Highway 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 for maps, permits, and latest trail information. 19.3 miles past the ranger station is Barlow Pass and the end of paved road. Parking is available both on the road and at a Forest Service trailhead parking lot near the end of the paved road. A privy is available here as well. This is a high crime area, many car break-ins, do not leave valuable in your car. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass.
Click here for more hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway.
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