Oyster Dome
A moderate day hike just south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains. The trail heads steeply up Blanchard Mountain to reach a viewpoint and some bat caves. Continue on to North Butte and/or loop back past Lily Lake and the Samish Overlook to extend your trip.
getting there
From Exit 231 off of I-5, drive north on SR 11 10 miles north to the trailhead. From Bellingham, it's 11 miles south on SR 11.
on the trail
Hike the Pacific Northwest Trail for 1.5 miles and then left on the Samish Bay Connection Trail. In a half mile, stay right and then a half mile later turn left and continue on to Oyster Dome. It's 6.5 miles round trip with 1,900 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 2,025 ft.
Loop Return Option: Consider looping back past Lily Lake and the Samish Overlook on the Pacific Northwest trail. This adds about 2 miles to your trip.
Extend Your Trip: Consider continuing on to North Butte, a much less visited and crowded viewpoint, about a mile from the Oyster Dome-Samish Connector Trail junction. Hiking this as a loop is 10 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain and a high point of 2,220 ft.
Notes
- The bat caves near Oyster Dome are quite hazardous. Enjoy them from a distance.
- Hang gliders and paragliders take off from the Samish Overlook when the wind is favorable.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
- 2,025 ft
- Land Manager: Blanchard Forest
- Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- USGS Bellingham South
- USGS Bow
- Trails of the Chuckanut Mountains
- Chuckanut Mountain Recreation Map
Upcoming Activities
There are no activities scheduled at this location.
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Oyster Dome & North Butte
- Oyster Dome-Samish Overlook Loop
- North Butte-Samish Overlook Loop
- Oyster Dome-North Butte-Samish Overlook Loop
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