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Oyster Dome Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (50)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Seattle and Puget Sound
  4. …Bellingham
  5. Blanchard Forest Block
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“A wooded singletrack route with expansive views of Samish Bay and challenging climbs. ”

Anthony Cannistra
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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.4

KM

Loop

2,017' 615 m

High

178' 54 m

Low

1,971' 601 m

Up

1,970' 600 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views

Overview

This route begins with a steep climb of moderate length, rewarded by more mellow grades in dense forest and sweeping views of Samish Bay. Expect large crowds on the descent from Oyster Dome on the weekends. Much of the hike takes place on the famed Pacific Northwest Trail.

Description

Park right near milepost 10 on the paved pullouts. Cross the road and enter the Pacific Northwest Trail (also known as the Chuckanut Trail), which climbs several large switchbacks. Follow signs for the Samish Overlook. Once you've had a chance to enjoy the views, transition to the Larry Reed Trail to continue your journey.

At the overlook, cross the parking lot and re-enter the trail to the left of the large bike racks.

At 2.8 miles, take the trail marked Max's Shortcut Trail. You'll reach Lily Lake, and turn left to continue, following sign for Oyster Dome. This short trail segment is appropriately known as the Oyster Lily Trail.

Continue on your way until you reach an intersection with the Samish Bay Trail and the Oyster Dome Spur. Ascend the Oyster Dome Spur to Oyster Dome, which affords sweeping views of Samish Bay. Look out for paragliders launching!

After descending from the Dome, enjoy an efficient descent down on the Samish Bay Trail to the intersection with the Pacific Northwest Trail and repeat a small section of switchbacks to return to the road.

Contacts

Land Manager: WA DNR

Shared By:

Anthony Cannistra with improvements by Justin Daniels
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 50 votes

#1

in Blanchard Forest Block

#216

Overall
  4.6 from 50 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Blanchard Forest Block

#15

in Washington

#216

Overall
38 Views Last Month
12,345 Since Sep 27, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
44%
6%
48%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

San Juan Islands
Apr 17, 2016 near Bow, WA
Oyster Dome offers a beautiful water view.
Jun 28, 2017 near Bow, WA
Well-maintained trail.
Jul 12, 2017 near Bow, WA
Easy creek crossing.
Sep 28, 2016 near Bow, WA
Chuckanut Trail
Apr 17, 2016 near Bow, WA
New signs at the old junction.
Sep 28, 2016 near Bow, WA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 53 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 7, 2024
K M
Jun 2, 2023
Michael Young
Apr 9, 2023
Daniel Shapiro
Nov 2, 2022
David Carrion
Hiked with Ally, Ed, Kellie, Trent, Raul, Frances ☺
Jul 29, 2022
M T
Apr 25, 2022
Yining Zhang
Apr 23, 2022
Clancey Potter
Very pleasant with great views! Would do the loop in the opposite direction to avoid the steeper half being the downhill portion. 9mi
Mar 5, 2022
Chandler Gardiner

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