We began at the Barrel Springs Rd Upper trailhead on the Lily Lake trail. It is less steep than coming up from Chuckanut Drive and a more interesting route than Max's Shortcut. There were several small water falls and streams along the way. It is also less used than the approach from Chuckanut Drive. On the way up we met two backpackers and three bikers-that was it for people until we got close to the dome. We did a bit of exploring in the area behind and above the dome and found some fascinating boulders and cliffs. When we were about two thirds of the way up a very fine snow began that came off and on a few time but was nearly not even notable. There was a thin coating of ice on Lily lake-about enough for a mouse with ice skates. The skunk cabbage is just pushing through in the swamp near Lily Lake. In a couple weeks they should be in full bloom. The trail is in good condition throughout even with the occasional muddy areas and water.

Started out around 6:30 AM from the trailhead on SR 11. Beyond the 1.8 mile split the trail was very wet and muddy. Saw absolutely nothing from the dome. Clouds were upon us so we mostly just enjoyed our sandwiches with a side of cold wet wind. Had a good time nonetheless. Headed back via the trail towards Lily Lake and Max's Shortcut. Lots and lots of mud. A little snow (a very little snow). Ran across the Samish Overlook on the way down. Looks like new construction here. Is this open? I saw no cars. Only on the way down from the overlook did we see the first other hikers of the day. Lots of people on the way up from then on. My blog with some not-so-good pictures: http://www.lemarts.com/2/post/2012/03/blanchard-mountain-oyster-dome.html