Story:
The trip started on the Pacific Northwest Trail off of Chuckanut Drive. The first mile climbs through a series of switchbacks gaining in elevation. On a clear day several places to stop for a peek a view of the San Juan Islands. Unfortunately our day was not so clear. About 1 and 1/2 mile you will come to a trail junction, the shortest way to Oyster Dome is to the left, if you venture right you will end up at the Samish overlook. If you are lucky you will see parasails and hangliders from the overlook, this is a launching point for the local enthusiasts. Along with benches, vault toilet, and a wonderful veiw of the Skagit Valley. After taking a left at the juntion, be careful to stay on the correct trail to Oyster Dome, there are several marked trail junctions in this area. The last mile was quite muddy, and it may be a preferable hike for the summer or fall. It was also quite steep in sections. Once reaching the top of Oyster Dome, caution needs to be exercised, as there are sheer drop offs with no guard rails. Children and dogs should be kept within reach. On a clear day the views of the Skagit Valley and the San Juans would be spectacular. Overall a good lowland hike to take on to clear the winter cobwebs and gain some steady elevation to build up your stamina.
The trip started on the Pacific Northwest Trail off of Chuckanut Drive. The first mile climbs through a series of switchbacks gaining in elevation. On a clear day several places to stop for a peek a view of the San Juan Islands. Unfortunately our day was not so clear. About 1 and 1/2 mile you will come to a trail junction, the shortest way to Oyster Dome is to the left, if you venture right you will end up at the Samish overlook. If you are lucky you will see parasails and hangliders from the overlook, this is a launching point for the local enthusiasts. Along with benches, vault toilet, and a wonderful veiw of the Skagit Valley. After taking a left at the juntion, be careful to stay on the correct trail to Oyster Dome, there are several marked trail junctions in this area. The last mile was quite muddy, and it may be a preferable hike for the summer or fall. It was also quite steep in sections. Once reaching the top of Oyster Dome, caution needs to be exercised, as there are sheer drop offs with no guard rails. Children and dogs should be kept within reach. On a clear day the views of the Skagit Valley and the San Juans would be spectacular. Overall a good lowland hike to take on to clear the winter cobwebs and gain some steady elevation to build up your stamina.
Tips:
A trip guide/ map is a must due to the numerous trail junctions. Watch children closely. A better choice for families with young children may be to just visit the overlook, the views are still good and it is much safer.
A trip guide/ map is a must due to the numerous trail junctions. Watch children closely. A better choice for families with young children may be to just visit the overlook, the views are still good and it is much safer.
Tags:
Oyster Dome, Mount Blanchard, Bellingham, Pacific Northwest Trail, Skagit Valley
Oyster Dome, Mount Blanchard, Bellingham, Pacific Northwest Trail, Skagit Valley
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