Oyster Dome is located just south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains. The trail ascends steeply up a number of switchbacks to reach Oyster Dome, where you’ll enjoy expansive views of Samish Bay. In the distance, you can see Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains. With its western-facing view Oyster Dome is a beautiful spot to take in a sunset, just make sure to pack your headlamp for the way down!

In the mood for a longer hike? You can continue on to North Butte and/or loop back past Lily Lake and the Samish Overlook to extend your hike.

Distance: 6.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,900

FYI: I’ve always accessed Oyster Dome from Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11). This access point includes more switchbacks and elevation gain, but it has always seemed to be the most convenient. However, The Department of Natural Resources requests that visitors access Oyster Dome from the Samish Overlook parking area, not from the unofficial trail on Chuckanut Drive. I actually didn’t know about this parking area until I started doing some fact-checking for this post, and I will certainly give it a try next time.