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Sunset Hike to Oyster Dome

Bellingham, Washington

Details

Distance

6.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1900 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Niki Alden

With breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands, Oyster Dome is a MUST for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of the PNW.

The Hike. 

Oyster Dome is a very popular hike, but don't let that trick you!  Though the path is extremely well maintained, it is rocky, rough, and ready to give your calves a workout. The steepest portions are the very first (seemingly endless) switchbacks, and the home stretch at the top, with several shallow stream crossings in between (don't worry, they're easy to cross). There is one viewpoint prior to the top with a bench for resting, though don't get too comfy - it isn't that far in! 

When you reach the top, be careful - there are cliffs, and no railings! Keep a healthy distance from the edge as you soak up the beauty of the San Juans as the sun sets over the water. Try and spot Anacortes (city in the distance to the left) and and guess which are Guemes, Cypress, Sinclair, Orcas, and Lummi Islands. 

Be extra careful as it gets dark! 

The Nature.

Blanchard Mountain, as are many of the Chuckanuts, is a rôche moutonnée: an asymmetrical formation caused by the passage of a glacier over bedrock. (You totally remember that from taking your geology class in high school).  This comes clear as you hike up the side (flatter ... but not flat) and then reach the viewpoint, where the cliffs are. 

The forest was logged many years ago, but since then has been designated a state forest and has had time to reestablish. Many of the trees are of similar age, as indicated by their DBH (diameter at breast height - you remember that from your bio classes, clearly) and the even distribution of undergrowth. However, as you continue along the trail you will start to see larger trees, and many massive stumps left behind from when the area was logged (you might also find old steel cables), before you reach the very peak where the trees are young and spry.

Recent and current clearcutting on the far side of the hill (which you will pass through if you take the route starting at Samish Overlook) hasn't quite reached the main trail, though that is likely to change over the coming year (for those of you interested in preserving the forest, there are many places online you can look - or go on the hike and see the posted flyers near the maps). 

The Directions.

There are two routes to Oyster Dome. Take the trailhead at Samish Overlook (Discover Pass needed - see link to WTA website below for directions) or the *recommended* one on Chuckanut Drive:

Drive south on Chuckanut Drive from Bellingham. About .1 miles after the Oyster Bar (popular restaurant on the right) there will be wide sections on the right shoulder to park on. Park here (make sure you're not in the lane!) and walk back to the trailhead. It's on the left side as you head south, and is fairly wide but not well-marked. Start hiking upwards from here. 

You will see a map soon, showing all the connecting trails. Oyster Dome is clearly marked - take a look at where it is in relation to where you are, if only to fully appreciate the hike you're about to do! 

Follow the posted signs to Oyster Dome. They're very clear and impossible to miss, but generally you keep left and head uphill (alternatively, on the way down, keep right and downhill). 

The Resources.

The Washington Trails Association provides some simple guides to hiking Oyster Dome: 

If you were concerned from reading that the Oyster Dome hike may be logged, or after having fallen in love with the hike, here are some articles regarding the proposed logging: 

If you're interested in the history of Blanchard Mountain or Blanchard State Forest, take a look here: 

Read More

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