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Del Campo Peak is in the Monte Cristo area, a region with a rich history of attempted mining development in the early 1900s. These attempts were unsuccessful and the town of Monte Cristo abandoned. Del Campo is named for a mine on its slopes. Foggy Lake is nestled above Gothic Basin, a beautiful alpine basin surrounded by Del Campo Peak, Castle Rocks and Gothic Peak. This can be a problem area for car break-ins, so try not to leave anything tempting in your car.
Activity Notes
This climb is intended for FM101 Leaders and Assistants.
We will hike in (approximately 5 miles and 2,900 feet elevation gain) and camp in the Foggy Lake area on Day 1, climb on Day 2, and hike out and return home on Day 3.
Del Campo Peak is in the Monte Cristo area, a region with a rich history of attempted mining development in the early 1900s. These attempts were unsuccessful and the town of Monte Cristo abandoned. Del Campo is named for a mine on its slopes. The route is a Class 4 scramble (fixed line travel and possible rappel as needed). Gothic Peak was named after William Gothic, an early prospector. The route is a Class 3 scramble. Combining Gothic with Del Campo can make a fine weekend two-peak weekend trip.
Foggy Lake is nestled above Gothic Basin, a beautiful alpine basin surrounded by Del Campo Peak, Castle Rocks and Gothic Peak. Camping in the Gothic Basin of Foggy Lake area can be especially beautiful.
Travel is on trail, open rocky terrain, and some talus. There is the possibility of a snow patch(es) and we’ll know how likely once summer starts.
This can be a problem area for car break-ins, so try not to leave anything tempting or valuable in your car.
This trip is exploratory for the leader.
[Update 18 Jul 2025: Climbed Del Campo, did not attempt Gothic]
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 250 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 5 hours |
| General Route Info | USFS Darrington Ranger District Office: 360-436-1155 https://www.summitpost.org/del-campo-peak/150640 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in two or more days |
| Relevant Books | Climbing Washington's Mountains by Jeff Smoot Cascade Alpine Guide: Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass by Fred Beckey 75 Scrambles in Washington by Peggy Goldman |
| Relevant Maps | USGS 7 minute series, Bedal, Monte Cristo. Green Trails Sloan Peak #111, Monte Cristo #143 Google map https://goo.gl/maps/3rmhcrM68DL2 |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
