We arrived at the Oyster Dome Trailhead (Samish Overlook) at 9:20am. The parking lot was full, but there was still parking along the dirt road. The trail was in great condition with no obstacles in the way. There were many dogs out enjoying the hike. The hike took us about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace and with enjoying the view at the top for 45 minutes. There was a kind hiker at the Oyster Dome viewpoint offering everyone his bread, which many people gladly accepted.

And just a little heads up, you might find some dog poop bags scattered along the trail. Hope everyone can be more responsible and respectful to other hikers, people maintaining the trails, and nature itself. 

Hiked via the PNW trailhead off Chuckanut Drive.  I used my phone GPS using Oyster Bar as the destination (I was coming from Anacortes). Only 2 other cars this morning when I arrived at 645. Arrived to the sign for oyster dome at 0730. Several easy water crossings before arriving to an empty dome at 0930 for 3.7 miles from my car. Took the trail to Samish overlook on the descent for more great views. Took my time on the descent and back at the car at 1043 am, a lot more folks on the trail at that time and the roadside parking was full. Total mileage 8.2 miles. 

I met a group of Mountaineers for a hike to North Butte and Oyster Dome today. We met at the upper parking area around 8:15 and there were already several cars in the parking area. The road to the parking area is in decent shape with some large potholes that are avoidable and larger ones that were recently filled with gravel. The privies in both the upper and lower parking areas are in good shape as of this report. 

From the parking area, our outbound route was as follows: Lily-Lizard Trail--> Lizard Lake Trail-->out and back from the viewpoint on the North Butte Trail-->Lily Lake Trail--> Oyster-Lily Trail--> out and back from the viewpoint at Oyster Dome. From the viewpoint at Oyster Dome, our inbound route was the Oyster-Lily Trail-->Max's Shortcut-->Lily-Lizard Trail to the parking area. We were back at the cars by 2:30. Strava measured the route to be about 10.5 miles. 

In terms of trail conditions, the only issues I noticed were some mud in areas on all of the trails and a few stream crossings, but there was nothing that couldn't be managed with good boots and a trekking pole. It was a beautiful day and our group encountered many other parties out hiking today. 

We forgot our Discovery Pass, so ended up just driving in, taking in the views and driving out. But on the way out, at 2pm, Sunday April 13, 2025, two cougar loped across the road about 500 feet in front of our truck just as we were about a 1/2 mile past Blanchard Lower Trail. They were a matched pair, appeared to be adults, heathy & strong and on the move southward. No time to capture photo, whole thing over is less than 3 seconds. It was amazing! Reported it to WA Fish & Wildlife, as well as Blanchard DNR Northwest Region office.

Steep switchbacks but beautiful views at trailhead and summit! Arrive very early for weekend parking.