Gothic Basin

November 11, 2016

In an effort to shake off that sense of foreboding due to the events of the week Andy and I took Friday off and decided to spend a night in Gothic Basin located in the North Cascades. It's one of the many hikes to choose from on Mountain Loop Highway.

We parked our car on the road across from Barlow Pass parking lot which was full at 11:00 am. From there, we followed WTA's directions up to the outhouse. This is where we got a bit confused. Were we supposed to hike past the Weeden Creek Trail sign, past the outhouse and cross the river, or follow the Weeden Creek Trail which turned and headed up away from the river? We decided to hike past the trail sign and outhouse since neither of us remembered reading anything specific about following the Weeden Creek Trail. In any case we were in no hurry so it wouldn't be an issue to backtrack.

Start of our "detour" ;)

Past the outhouse we followed some pink ribbon to two logs downed across the river. We actually just hopped over a few rocks in the shallow end instead of balancing on slick logs over the deep areas. Past the river we continued on the trail, expecting a steady elevation gain shortly after. A mile in we came across a "Weeden House" sign and info board. I already had an inexplicable creepy feeling hiking down this trail and reading about the history didn't help. Well, we kept walking and noticed the trail remained flat for as far as we could see. Finally, we came to the conclusion that we were likely on the Monte Cristo trail and should have followed the Weeden Creek Trail. At least it was an easy two mile detour/warm up. On our way back we ran in to a couple groups going to visit the haunted town.

Once we were back on track, the hike up to Gothic Basin was unrelenting in its elevation. The first mile follows the water and winds around some caution tape for washed out areas. Nearly all the elevation gain is in the last 3 miles. This trail is very well maintained and cares little for switchbacks. I can't believe how much I was sweating thanks to the humidity. Needless to say, we took plenty of water breaks. It took us three hours to reach the Basin. Definitely a beautiful and challenging hike up through forest and waterfalls. Definitely had lots moments where I had my head down, concentrating on getting through an incline only to look up to see there was more to come and no break in sight.

Hiking up the nice, dry trail

 

Climbing up past the waterfall. Note the trail ahead. It was seriously nonstop up.

..and up.



 

The last push. This is the exact moment I knew that once I got over this hill, the view would take my panting breath away.



We arrived at the basin around 3:10 pm. Sunset was around 4:30 pm which gave us some time to explore, find an established area to set up, and snap some pictures. We could not find a suitable site
that wouldn't end up with us waking up in a waterbed. Taking in to consideration the 0.8" rain expected that evening and also dreading a morning hike down in the rain on slippery rocks and steep declines, we decided to make this a day trip fully aware we'd be hiking the last half with our headlamps. With a view of Gothic Lake, we inhaled our sandwiches knowing there was only 45 minutes of precious daylight left to fast hike though the challenging sections. If we stayed the night, however, we would have had the basin all to ourselves*. The last group we ran in to was descending as we were about 20 minutes from reaching the top.

Took some pictures around the basin as we were scoping out a campsite:

Lots of little tarns and ponds



Lunch spot

To our relief, we were able to traverse the most tricky sections as the sun was setting and used our headlamps for the last 3 miles of the hike. Hiking in the dark and fog wasn't so bad, but as I mentioned earlier this was a very well maintained trail so we were comfortable with our decision to hike down in the dark and I felt safe with Andy leading the way. We also had our overnight packs so would be able to set up in an emergency.

Shadow of my phone from headlamp. Was concentrating too hard to take a better picture.

 

As we were approaching the last mile we saw a few lights in the distance. Were those people attempting to hike up in the dark?! It ended up being the last group we saw descending earlier in the day. They were lost and hudled together by a signboard with their iPhone flashlights. Luckily we were headed to the same parking lot so they followed us out. Good thing Andy and I decided to make this a day trip. Not sure what those poor kids would have done as they were lost in the area where all the washouts and detours were.

Overall we ended up hiking approximately 11.5 miles in 7 hours which includes the time spent wandering around the basin. After stopping by Granite Falls for some BBQ we went home and iced our achy knees. I believe this is our longest day hike to date.

*So glad we didn't stay the night. I read a Saturday trip report and apparently much of the trail was a creek. The trip reporter wasn't able to make it to the top as crossing the waterfall section would have been too dangerous.

Little Si

September 9, 2016

Liisa and I were finally able to attend the Annual AGC Women in Construction hike at Little Si this year. I can't think of a better way to spend a sunny northwest Friday during the work day than hiking and beers.

The Little Si trailhead is a quick 1 hour drive from Bothell. We introduced ourselves to the other 20 women who were able to make it to the hike. FYI if you forget or don't have a Discover Pass, you can buy one online. The trailhead board had a link you could follow to pay. You then just write the pass number on a piece of paper and stick it on your dash.

I thought the hike was perfect for hosting such a large group with different abilities. The hike was mostly shaded under the forest and the trail was wide and well maintained. At the top is a rocky mound that was able to accommodate us. Views of the valley from the bluff were beautiful on such a sunny, clear day.


Climbers

The ladies

Representing at the top

Feeling accomplished, we took over the outdoor seats at Pourhouse in downtown North Bend for lunch and a few beers.



Summer Car Camping

July/August 2016

We were able to make it to three car camping trips this summer. Car camping is an entirely different experience. It lets me enjoy nature in a more social and gluttonous environment. Plus, I get to bring whatever the heck I want - even a pillow!

1.) We were invited to the Thousand Trails RV campground near Burlington by our friends who had just purchased their first RV (it has since been upgraded to a larger one). The campground is located right next to the highway by Skagit Casino. And, you know, highway sounds really sound like a waterfall or a fast moving creek if you use your imagination.
We set up our Big Agnes palace next to them and prepared lunch using the comforts of their RV - running water, stove, oven, etc. After lunch we took the three dogs to the off-leash area. There's a huge, well maintained grassy field where the community center is located. They also have a pool, other rec activities, and mini golf (under maintenance). The dogs were exhausted towards the end of the evening, so we let them sleep at site while the four of us went back to the community center. We checked out the store and bought some candy then played some bingo. After bingo and dinner we sat by the fire until it was time for bed and headed out early the next morning.

Woke up to Toby staring at me to wake up

Halping us tear down

We took a detour to Bellingham before heading home. It was my first time visiting the city and I hope we can visit more frequently. We had an early lunch at Asland Brewery and were joined by several other groups with their dogs in the outdoor seating area right out front. Good food and good beer.

Toby is eyeing something delicious

2.) This year we made it to my sister's annual camping trip at Lighting Pine RV Park in the Methow Valley. It's an open field literally right on the Methow River and managed by Randy. There was only one other group during our three night stay. I think if you're easy going with your camp comforts and don't expect too much from the campground, then this place is great. We enjoyed it very much here and understand why Theresa and Brett come back every year. We spent most of the time hanging out at the camp, but were also able to make it to the local farmer's market and go tubing down the raging river. It was incredibly rapid and we nearly lost my sister.. twice! Definitely recommend wearing life jacket next time. It's always fun driving out this way because Andy and I always stop by Leavenworth for a few hours before heading home.

Our sweet set up

All to ourselves

3.) Andy and I were invited to an annual camping trip with new and old friends in August. This year it was at Baker Lake and there were nearly just as many dogs as humans. We were able to snag the two campsites right at the lake (first-come sites) for the entire trip, and good thing because the two site we had reserved would not have fit us all and was tucked away far from the lake. We were able to watch the Perseids meteor shower and spent most of the days floating on the lake, eating, and playing games. The dogs were so tired by the end of the trip that we weren't even able to take a hike.

Cooking breakfast

BFFs Toby and Otto trying to figure out how to get that darn ball

Floatilla

I can hardly wait until next summer.

Stafford Creek / Navaho Pass

June 25-26, 2016

It's been nearly two years since Andy and I have done an overnight trip. We've been busy being pawrents!

The day after my international work trip, we made a couple sandwiches, packed up, and headed to the Stafford Creek trailhead in Teanaway/Cle Elum. Seeing as this was a one-nighter, we decided to be lazy with our meals - a simple ham sandwich once we got to camp and a protein bar for breakfast. We brought almonds and pork jerky for snacks.

The Stafford Creek trailhead was easy to find and the drive was smooth but for a few large potholes. There were some nice car camping sites along the creek. Many of the sites were empty on that sunny Saturday afternoon. The parking lot was full when we arrived at 1:30 PM (latest start to date. I love the long days of summer!) but we were able to find a good spot along the road. A NW Forest Pass is required, or you can pay the $5/night fee at the self-serve station. A toilet is available in the lot, too.

This 5 mile hike had a very gradual elevation gain and was popular with mountain bikers. Before we knew it we had reached 6,000'. During the entire hike I was anticipating some strenuous series of switchback or massive climb, but there was none of that up to the Pass. The meadow everyone mentions in their trip reports was grassy and green. You'll know when you're there. From what I could see, there were a half dozen tents pitched around there. Not satisfied with the area, Andy and I continued up to the Pass and found a spot next to a large rock and close to a stream. We were greeted by a neighbor's dog, Cooper the Puggle, who hung out with us anytime we ate.

Hi, Andy

The meadow and tents pitched around the perimeter

Found a nice spot off the Pass

Dinner with Andy and Cooper

By 6 PM we'd set up camp and finished dinner. We wanted to catch the sunset from Navaho Peak, a half mile scramble from our site, but it was still too early (sunset just past 9) so we napped/hung out in the tent for an hour before heading out.

Prepared with our jackets, headlights, snacks, and water we started the climb to Navaho Peak. There were a couple awesome sites on the way and we were seriously contemplating running back down to grab our stuff to take the site, but decided not to considering how much colder it would be up there. Up and up we went, being careful because we didn't have trekking poles. The climb up was generally steep with dry, loose dirt and rocks. The sun was setting, making Dragontail and the Enchantments breathtaking. I wasn't skilled enough to snap decent photo with my phone, though, because the sun was setting behind it. I looked behind us during the climb and, to my surprise because we were so high up, saw a gorgeous and clear view of Mount Rainier and Helens.

Not wanting to risk a scary slide down from 7,000' in the dark without trekking poles we made it one hump short of the peak before turning back. We caught the remainder of the show from the upper site not too far from Andy in the photo below.



Hiking down during sunset

Wildflowers are still out and about

Swirly tree trunk

It ended up being a clear night and the stars were shining brightly. Milky Way dust was visible to the naked eye. We woke up just after sunrise with the moon still up. The hike down was easy on the knees and took just about 2 hours. Per east hikes tradition, we visited Leavenworth for the rest of the morning and early afternoon before heading home.


 

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail

March 26 & April 9, 2016

With Christine in town for a few weeks on holiday from NZ, we took a family day hike at the slightly less popular Rattlesnake Mountain Trail (west). It seemed like an awesome beginner's trail to run, so a few weeks later Andy and I returned to do just that.

This hike is an easy drive from home and parking was plentiful on both early Saturday mornings. Two toilets are available at the TH.

The hike itself is a pretty steady climb right from the get-go, but afterwards, is quite relaxed with a few gains here and there to keep you excited.

The first lookout, Stan's Overlook, is about 2.5 miles in and offers a nice view. There were two benches and a picnic table which we utilized for our snack break.

The Fam

View from Stan's Overlook

We then headed to Grand Prospect, the second overlook, which was 5 miles in from the TH. There was still some snow on the ground in late March. Toby went crazy, wildly rubbing his body and face in the packed snow. Two benches were available to take in the views.

 

Definitely recommend hitting this trail as early as you can (opens @ 7am). We were met by some dozen groups of hikers on the way down towards late morning during both visits.

North Creek Park Boardwalk

February 7, 2016

In our backyard lies the North Creek Park Boardwalk. I'm glad we finally went to check it out. There were only a few cars in the parking lot the morning of Super Bowl 50 with a playground just across the way. The boardwalk was in excellent shape and none of it was under water. It's a nice family-friendly stroll and, with the exception of flowing water in areas, very still. I didn't observe any beavers or birds flying around that morning, but my attention may have been focused on Toby getting incredibly muddy walking through the wetland and not on the boardwalk.