We did the “clockwise loop” to Oyster Dome from Chuckanut Drive: up via the “Oyster Dome” trail and back via the Pacific Northwest Trail. There was little damage from the recent wild weather. The part of Pacific Northwest Trail we hiked was all in good condition, with just one or two very minor “step-over” blowdowns and no washouts or other significant water damage. There were a number of trees down on the “Oyster Dome” trail, but all were passable to the average hiker (though one or two would probably qualify as notable nuisances). I seem to remember that at least some of those blowdowns were there last winter. Otherwise, the “Oyster Dome” trail was it usual self, rather steep, rocky, and eroded in places, but not significantly worse than last year. The sign for the final spur to the spectacular Oyster Dome viewpoint off the “Oyster Dome” trail appeared to be down (or I was even less observant than usual …). Anyway, at the top of the last significant steepish climb, perhaps 1/3 mile past the (signed) branch-off of the Talus Trail, note a fairly clear trail going left (and down toward a rather noisy creek) and a quite clear trail going right. One of the “Save Blanchard Mountain” information cases is nailed to a tree on the right at this junction. The left branch at this point goes to the viewpoint; the right branch leads, in ½ mile or so with little or no steep uphill, to the upper junction with the Pacific Northwest Trail. The sweeping view from the view-perch on Oyster Dome was all visible, with no interference from clouds (even Mt. Rainier could be seen). Lest there be any confusion in terminology, what I call the “Oyster Dome” trail branches from the Pacific Northwest Trail about 1 ½ miles up from Chuckanut Drive (about ½ mile short of Samish viewpoint), and rejoins it as noted above approaching Lily Lake.

The view from the top of Oyster Dome is beautiful! To get there, take I-5 to exit 231 and continue on Chuckanut Drive until milepost 10. Parking is off to the left hand side and the trailhead is on your right. The trail starts off steep and seems to continue that way. To get to the top of Oyster Dome, hike all the way up until you see a big tree on your right with a sign that says 'protect Blanchard Mountain' on it, at this point, take a left and the trail goes to Oyster Dome. The view of the San Juan islands from the top of Oyster Dome is just amazing! Distance- 6 miles RT Elevation gain- 2000 ft Time- 1.5 hours up and 1 hour and 5 minutes down Drive- 65 miles from my North Seattle home

Distance is 7.2 miles and the elevation gain is 1,900 feet. This hike is in the Blanchard Mountain area of the Southern Chuckanuts. Our route started at MP 10.1 on Chuckanut Drive (SR11). We hiked up the Oyster Dome trail which linked up with the Talus Trail. These trails are dry and in very good condition, there are many very steep areas which can be challenging and a couple stream crossings which require a little concentration. Oyster Dome was our first stop; this is a high cliff with views of the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Samish Bay, Samish Island, Lummi Island and many more Islands. On our way back we took a spur trail that leads 0.1 mile to a giant talus field otherwise known as the “Bat Caves”. Even with the threat of rain there were many people climbing on the rocks, hiking the trails, mountain biking and enjoying the view points. On our arrival we learned of the alarming potential clear-cut and logging road development of the Blanchard Mountain public lands area. Petitions and website information are available at www.blanchardmountion.org. This area belongs to us, not to private logging companies. We can make a difference all we need to do is speak out.

My buddy Skippy and I decided to do this hike hoping for a little better weather than we might find in the Cascades. It proved to be a great choice. We took the main route up from Chuckanut Drive and headed to the Dome for lunch. Fine weather, but a little cold and windy at the top. The trail is a bit muddy, but not bad. We then hiked over to Lily Lake and on to North Butte and it's many interesting viewpoints. It was mostly clear by this time and the views were fabulous as usual until we looked over to Lookout Mt. which has been shaved recently. It has been abused greatly with not much forest left. We then proceeded to Max's Shortcut to make a nice loop trip. This is a great segment of trail which is especially beautiful in the afternoon when this west facing slope has filtered sunlight shining on the gorgeous moss covered trees. Perfect! The bad news: this area on the lower section of Max's Shortcut is scheduled to be logged soon as well as other portions of Blanchard. This is a unique area of coastal forest with it's own special beauty. Don't let it happen. Go see it now and then look at the website: blanchardmountain.org to see what you can do.

Took Off from Chuckanut drive, Highway 11, at the trailhead just south of oyster creek. Up and up to the first junction with some great views of the San Juan Islands. Took a right at the junction and went up some more on increasingly rough trail. Roots, mud, water and a few blowdowns make this trail look like it needs some wta lovin. Took a detour on the Talus trail and checked out the bat caves. These huge rocks that have fallen from the side of Oyster Dome dwarf the hiker and make you wonder if any more are poised to come down while you are standing there. Back to the main trail and another side trip to the top of the dome for some good views of the islands sprawling out among calm seas. Down to the trail for a little more up and then dropping a little into the bowl of Lilly lake. Skirting the lake to the right brings you to camp sites and beyond that a trail to the top of Blanchard mountain and some great views of clouds today but if clear all the way to Anacortes and more expansive views of islands as far as the eye can see. A quick trip down and over to Lizard lake brings some nice campsites and a tranquil mountain lake studded with tree stumps from turn of the century logging. Returning on the more easterly trail brings you to a nice lookout connected to Barrel Springs Road, another access to this area, then down to connect to the trail back to the highway for a nice lollipop loop. The way I went was about a 12 mile round trip and 1200 feet elevation gain but many options are available for a shorter or longer hike. This is a unique area where the mountains reach out and touch the sea. Wonderful rock formations are the norm and gazing over the islands while standing at this elevation is a thing that can only be experienced in the Chuckanut mountain range. This area is scheduled to be logged in the very near future so get out here soon and see why so many are trying to save it from this ultimate peril.