Smoke, fire and other misfortunes of mother nature have conspired to cancel numerous climbs this year and my anticipated end-of-season climbs of both Del Campo and Gothic peaks were only partially successful. The weather all during the preceding week was most promising but, by the time Friday rolled around, it was starting to break down and substantial rain showers were forecast starting Saturday evening; our weekend climb quickly morphed into a Saturday day climb blitz with the intention to accomplish as much as we could.
Del Campo (6613’) and
Gothic (6313') peaks are located above Gothic basin in the Monte Cristo area east of Everett. I’d last successfully ventured into the area back in 2012 when we were able to summit both peaks, albeit over a two day weekend. Jerry, Lance and Amy (sans the Very Reverend Billy Bob, who was officiating at a wedding) arrived Friday evening for beer and treats before setting out early Saturday for the trailhead.
My rebuilt knee at work
The trail into Gothic basin is an old miners’ trail that has been maintained more by use than by design. We were surprised by the number of vehicles at the trailhead and also by the number of day-hikers and dogs which were also struggling with the trail; the approach isn’t that long, maybe 5 miles, but is notoriously steep for considerable segments (miners don’t give a damn about gradients) and fraught with roots, rocks and vegetable belays along much of the latter portions of the approach.
Amy scoffs at the trail
We made reasonable time to Foggy Lake, took a brief respite for some lunch, and began the climb of Gothic peak, hoping to enchain it with Del Campo to facilitate our success rate for the day. The summit is not far from the lake, but there are the omnipresent talus fields and progress was slower than desired.
On the way to Gothic’s summit: Foggy lake behind
Monte Cristo range from Gothic
We reached the base of the summit block and the final class 3 scramble was short and sweet; one down and one to go. After descending Gothic, we carefully made our way down more talus fields and reached the spot at which we’d need to begin the ascent of Del Campo.
Gothic summit shot: Del Campo in background
Alas, we were now sufficiently late in the day that even a successful summit would leave us a few hours short of a reasonably safe deproach back to the trailhead before darkness and anticipated rain set in.
Del Campo and Foggy lake from Gothic
Reluctantly but wisely, we began our way back to trailhead, bypassing Del Campo but with a resolve to return. Gothic basin is a compact but exquisitely scenic area and beckons one to linger and relish in its ruggedness. Despite its tough approach, it’s easily worth a visit. We slogged our way back, initially cross-country to save some time, but soon hit the trail and began our efforts to combat the loose rock, tree roots and steepness. The predicted precipitation began shortly before we arrived at the trailhead and, amidst a light rain, we enjoyed some very frosty beverages back at the car. We felt very minimal remorse for not having camped in the basin.
Flowers below Gothic basin
A late dinner in Granite Falls at Playa Bonita Mexican restaurant was most tasty and welcome and, afterwards, we made our way back to Seattle for welcome sleepies. The Del Campo/Gothic climbs are fairly forgiving (class 3/4) though the approach is a butt-buster; an overnight camp at Foggy lake (5300’) is the preferable way to go. The basin is rugged and views from the summits are superb, especially of the nearby Monte Cristo range, and both Glacier and Sloan peaks. Successful summiters and fall companions in the joy of autumn climbs: Lance Solis, Amy Dale, Jerry Croft, Bill Saur.
Amy and Lance reflect on the day’s accomplishments