Hike to Oyster Dome

Bow, Washington

4.3/5

based on 7 reviews

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Details

Distance

6.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1900 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Horstman

Distance: 6.5 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 1900 feet. Amazing views of Samish Bay and the surrounding San Juan Islands. Bald eagle spottings.

The trail begins on the Pacific Northwest Trail, which ascends quickly up the side of Blanchard Mountain. The trail contains several switchbacks which wind through second-growth alder, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir forest.

After about one mile there is an overlook with a bench that offers a great glimpse of the San Juan Islands (a great preview of the view to come), which is a great place to take a quick break and hydrate. Continue on through the forest another one-half mile to a junction where the Pacific Northwest Trail continues up and to the right. Stay to the left on the Samish Bay Connector trail.

After another one-half mile the trail begins to steepen. After approximately 1.5 miles after leaving the Pacific Northwest Trail, you will arrive at a junction with a trail to Lily and Lizard Lakes. To continue on to Oyster Dome, take a left at the junction, and follow the trail another one-quarter mile. This is the point at which the scramble begins. The trail climbs steeply, crosses a creek, and heads left on the Rock Trail.

One-tenth of a mile past the creek crossing, you will emerge from the forest onto the ledge of Oyster Dome. Lummi Island and Orcas Island are off in the distance, with Samish Bay right below. Off in the distance are Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains as well. You may even get lucky and spot a bald eagle or two circling overhead the forest below.

Directions:

From Mount Vernon, take I-5 north to exit 231 for Chuckanut Drive (SR-11). Follow Chuckanut Drive north 10.2 miles. The trailhead will be on your right, just past milepost 10.
There is no official parking lot and the trailhead can be easily missed so be sure to keep your eyes peeled to the right of the road where the trail begins.

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Reviews

Margaret L

Hike to Oyster Dome

02/10/23

Such an amazing view, and worth the effort to get to the top! So beautiful during the fall, when the leaves are all changing! Make sure to bring layers and lots of water. There are some parts that are a bit strenuous, but definitely worth the effort at the end.

5.0

Chase Dekker

Hike to Oyster Dome

02/09/17

This hike is nice and sometimes a little strenuous, but the view at the end and even part way up is really nice! You can see a lot of the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island from the top. Only go on a sunny day!

5.0

Katherine Haveman

Hike to Oyster Dome

09/04/16

It's a staple of Bellingham and is great to show friends from out of town the way the Puget Sound meets these hills. With a short hike, although steep at times, the views are not bad, just nothing to rave about. Certainly is a great trail for trail-running, but if you are used to mountain summits, this peek through the trees at the Puget Sound may feel like a bit of a let down.

3.0

Kristen Sinteral

Hike to Oyster Dome

05/11/16

Another great accessible hike in WA state. If you have the opportunity, go on a clear day. You will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the San Juan Islands. When you make it down the mountain, stop at the Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive. Fresh oysters and beer after a hike.... Sign me Up!!

3.0

Vanessa Carroll

Hike to Oyster Dome

12/25/15

Fabulous views of the Samish Bay enhanced by sunset. Killer hike!

5.0

Kyle Szegedi

Hike to Oyster Dome

10/29/15

If you live in Bellingham its probable that you've heard of this hike, its definitely one of the best in the area and is located pretty close to town. If your up for the challenge try and plan to arrive around sunrise of sunset to see an amazing sunset over the San Juan Islands!

4.0

Alex Powell

Hike to Oyster Dome

12/18/14

This hike is rad when you arrive at sunset!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Oyster Dome

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