Oyster Dome — Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

We completed today's hike in a counterclockwise fashion starting at Samish Overlook, then heading up Max's Shortcut, then up to Oyster Dome from Lily Lake, and then back to the Overlook.

For the recent high winds we've experienced, the trails on today's hike were in very good condition. There were a few branches here and there on the trails, but nothing that posed a real obstacle. The streams were running fairly briskly as well, but no issues with getting across.

Signs along the forest access road up to Samish Overlook noted there is active hauling on the road; however, we didn't see any large or oversized vehicles. The access road is in really good shape overall although there are some potholes in sections. No issues with the parking lot or the facilities.

We only encountered about 12 people total which was wonderful. We did see a barred owl (Strix varia) sitting above the trail near Lily Lake. It was a very neat scene as the mist was thick in the surrounding trees.

A great hike overall, no issues. The trail is muddy and slick in spots due to the recent precipitation and surface flows washing over some areas of exposed rock, but the trails are generally still in very good shape.