Day Hike - Oyster Dome-North Butte-Samish Overlook Loop

8:30am Alger Park & Ride, 1764 Patrick Ln, Bellingham, WA 98229

Then follow leader to Upper Blanchard trailhead. Discover Pass required!

Carpooling is not recommended, but it is not forbidden either. At participants discretion.

Starting from the Upper Blanchard mountain trailhead, we will hike out to Samish Overlook for excellent views of the the Skagit Valley to Mt. Rainier on a clear day, out over the sea and its man islands toward Anacortes and the Olympics, and out to the San Juans. We will then hike up to the Oyster Dome viewpoint for another stellar view over the sea and islands. Then continue on past Lily Lake to the summit of North Butte for yet another nice view. Visit Lizard Lake and loop back to trailhead.

Trail map: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/blanchard.pdf

My pace will be a bit faster than moderate, about 2 to 2.5 mph. Unlike my conditioning hikes we will take plenty of time to enjoy the views and lakes.

I am going to be pretty picky as far as the weather goes. We will only do this hike with dry weather, preferably at least partly sunny or better. Plan B will be nearby Pine and Cedar Lakes and Raptor Ridge, which is not too much further up the freeway from the meeting spot. Either way we'll be hiking through some really nice lowland forest mountains to some nice lakes and peaks!