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Great hike today at the end of January. Took me about three hours from Chuckanut Drive to the top and back down. Bring water and a flashlight. The trail is narrow so you will see a decent amount of folks. They were all very friendly and said hello as I passed. Would be nice if they could have a few porties at the trailhead as I drove up from Seattle and really had to pee.
When searching for a local hike this one is certainly worth checking out! A short easy drive from Arlington Wa. From the exit it's probably 15 minutes. The gravel road has its rough spots of pot holes and wash board. We went on a Tuesday so the parking at The Samish Overlook was perfect! We did the loop. We took the trail to Lily Lake then to Oyster Dome then back down to the Samish Overlook. The Trail is well kept and marked. We did a 6 mile loop with almost 2,000 foot gain. A little rough on the knees coming down. The trees, old growth stumps, rock formations were incredible. Not overcrowded at all. My only complaint was the outhouses were filthy and full of garbage. No garbage cans are provided so people were very disrespectful and threw it in the outhouses. Otherwise I will definitely be back!
Beautiful views and well maintained trail! I started this time from Sammish Overlook to Oyster Dome. The trail is mostly covered until you get to the top and can enjoy the sunshine as you enjoy the view and find a place on the rock. The trailhead at Sammish Overview offers bathrooms and decent parking. Don't forget your Discovery Pass! Must do hike, especially on a clear day!
Oyster Dome is a brilliant trail, with a steep entry from Chuckanut Drive, which requires you to park on the street (which can be busy on weekends, particularly after 9am.) If you get a parking spot down there, you are sure to encounter a trail of two tales. Firstly, the trail is steep, and it's rough from that start point. It's rocky, muddy, and very woody. You are on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Land, so along the way, you will encounter trails that are more efficient, rather than built for hikers. WTA (Washington Trails Association) has been working on reworking the network of trails and is much nicer than before. After the halfway point, the second half of the trail is a gentle decline and a gentle upward trek, until the last bit, where to the top, it's just a little steeper. The view is pretty good! I suggest if you want to get to the view faster (less climbing), take the 5 miles trailroad, by way of barrel springs road, via the Algers exit on I-5. There is a complementary view at Sharpe Park, just south, at Sara's Head viewpoint, with much less hiking... but then again, what's the point, if you are sweating and sore at the end; I mean it's a hike.. and Oyster Dome will do it.
I live in Kent, so driving to Bellingham was almost a two hour journey. It was waaay worth it. This trail definitely has a few steep parts, so be ready for that. Additionally, there were several muddy patches when I went last week, but nothing that scared me away or made me slip. I'd say this trail is okay for beginners, as the friend that I took is very new to hiking. For me, as an intermediate hiker, I was never really out of breath but I did work up a sweat and was feeling it the next day! There are several view points, places to sit and relax, and a wide enough trail for people who have to pull off to the side if they have a crazy dog (cough cough, me). The end point of this trail is amazing. This hike is definitely challenging and you will be sore the next day, but man, it's worth it. *Note: there are no bathrooms close to Oyster Dome. Take care of that at the Starbucks or Subway that is ten minutes away from the trailhead!
Pew pew, gotta write this review before I forget too much of my hiking experience :) Came here with a group of friends on Memorial Day, and here are some of my observations: 1) Go early - better parking spots, easier to hike the trail without constant people traffic...etc 2) Parking Lot = tiny...at most, 20 or so cars. Afterwards, people start parking on the side of the road. So SUVs / big cars, take caution when entering/leaving the parking area cuz it can get pretty cramped 3) Road Conditions - Other than the gravelly road, there was barely any potholes. So most cars should be able to get here without much trouble 4) Bring a Discover Pass 5) Facilities - Bring toilet paper / tissue packets if you use the bathrooms. When I went, there wasn't any toilet paper and it's super gross. -___- eww 6) WTA Directions - Make sure to follow the directions on the WTA website. It will lead you to the lookout point and from there, it's easier to pick which trail to go on (whether it be straight to the Oyster Dome, or a quick detour to the lake, and etc) 7) The view from the parking lot = similar/same view as the the "Oyster Dome" lookout area. :) So if you don't want to hike but want the view instead, swing by in the afternoon when it's sunny for pictures. Hiking Review: Overall, this hike is easy to moderate. The trail starts off fairly flat, and throughout the distance, there are gradual inclines that will leave you huffin' a bit. The hardest part of the trail is definitely the last quarter that leads you up to the Oyster Dome. When you feel like you're wheezin and huffin for air, booom. You have finally made it to the dome. It's a little anti-climatic but the view with the clouds is nice. To add an extra uumph to your hike, I recommend making a stop (on the way down) at the lakes - Lily & Lizard. The paths are superrrrr easy and flat and doesn't add too much stress. However, going back down was a bit hard, especially on the knees. Overall, hike was roughly around 9ish miles round trip (Lakes + Dome) and it was a fun trek. PS - a lot of people let their dogs loose here, so just a heads up to those who don't like surprises.
It's a nice trail with a decent view. The paved trail head parking can be pretty crowded and easily overflow into the gravel road leading to it. The gravel road lasts a 2-3 miles and is mostly pot hole free besides one section near the end. The hike is somewhat strenuous, but short. It gives the 1000 feet of elevation more or less in a miles worth of walking. The trail isn't rocky and is well maintained.
A favourite local spot with outstanding views of the San Juan island and Olympic national park on a clear day. There are couple ways to access either from bottom up or at 1/2 way view point if wanting a shorter hike. Remember that you will need a discovery pass which can be purchased via phone but need a pen and paper to display on the dash of the car. This was a great hike! Mostly covered which is perfect on a hot sunny day and probably only took 2.5 hours round trip from the midway viewpoint. Value 3/5 expensive to pay day pass just for a hike Atmosphere 5/5 Service 2/5 porter potties Quality 4/5 13/20
Gorgeous views to be had at the top of the Oyster Dome trail!! However this is a very popular hike so prepare for crowds. Parking fills up real fast! We went on a Saturday morning, arrived at 9 am and there were already a lot of vehicles parked on the road (no parking lot). It also feels a little like your car might tumble down the edge of the bay as the spaces are narrow! The hike was extremely pleasant, when we went it was nice and dry. You gain a lot of elevation in the beginning and then it turns into a gentle walk for a bit. Don't be fooled by this stretch, it gets much steeper right at the end climbing up to the actual viewpoints but you will be rewarded by a stunning view if it is a clear day. Budget some time to spend stretched out in the sun at the top with you lunch. You won't want to leave. :) We saw lots of dogs enjoying the trail and a TON of hikers. This may be the busiest hike I have done but worth a trip.
3 years ago
Yet another great hiking trail we softly explored, to help our toddlers calm down before we headed back home. Oyster Dome Trail has multiple markers for guidance throughout it. Now that we've all thawed out from the winter, exploring WAs beautiful trails, parks, and landmarks come naturally; investing in a Discovery pass could be helpful. We will definitely return, and recommend! read more
Well worth the hour + drive north, even with smoky conditions. Just driving through the Skagit valley, with all the agriculture, reminds me of home. As well as the drive, taking the 90, to the 405, to the 5, to the 11, another Cali reminder. Lol It's rated hard by AllTrails, but it was a moderate zig zag up the mountain. Typical of North coast, mountains rising outta the water. I didn't smell it, leaving or going up, I think due to smoke, but coming down, I can smell the ocean, much needed, thank you God! Want a fun hike! I can't wait to do it again, after some rains, which are much needed in the PNW. So many streams and waterfalls that will be running with a little water. Trading my beloved redwoods for Douglas fir, was eased by seeing another favorite, five finger maidenhair fern, as well as a big surprise, Madrone! It just added to the beautiful magic of this trail. Even with the smoke, and a bit of fog early, the views of Samish bay and ocean were amazing! Especially at Oyster dome, North Butte, and Samish point. I went counterclockwise, and added the lily and lizard lake loops, well worth it, to see the lakes and surrounding flora, again, a moderate, but a little longer hike. The lumber harvest tried to confuse the hike, but it was fairly well marked, and easy to follow, partially due to the marking with pink ribbons and yellow signs for some kind of run. A few runners, three bikers, and a few fellow hikers, most of the time I had the trail to myself. Also a few young ladies doing some mushroom hunting, it'll only get better with some rain. I'm always amazed with the quiet and solitude in the PNW, so enjoyable. Pretty much the same track, clockwise or counterclockwise, just a fun hike with lots of views and forest charm. Lots of interesting rock formations as well. Collected a few rocks to add to my aquarium, always a bonus. Well worth the drive, just for the beauty, not to mention being by the ocean. Yelping on, God bless and Cheers! read more
4 years ago
Great hike today at the end of January. Took me about three hours from Chuckanut Drive to the top and back down. Bring water and a flashlight. The trail is narrow so you will see a decent amount of folks. They were all very friendly and said hello as I passed. Would be nice if they could have a few porties at the trailhead as I drove up from Seattle and really had to pee. read more
6 years ago
When searching for a local hike this one is certainly worth checking out! A short easy drive from Arlington Wa. From the exit it's probably 15 minutes. The gravel road has its rough spots of pot holes and wash board. We went on a Tuesday so the parking at The Samish Overlook was perfect! We did the loop. We took the trail to Lily Lake then to Oyster Dome then back down to the Samish Overlook. The Trail is well kept and marked. We did a 6 mile loop with almost 2,000 foot gain. A little rough on the knees coming down. The trees, old growth stumps, rock formations were incredible. Not overcrowded at all. My only complaint was the outhouses were filthy and full of garbage. No garbage cans are provided so people were very disrespectful and threw it in the outhouses. Otherwise I will definitely be back! read more
Beautiful views and well maintained trail! I started this time from Sammish Overlook to Oyster Dome. The trail is mostly covered until you get to the top and can enjoy the sunshine as you enjoy the view and find a place on the rock. The trailhead at Sammish Overview offers bathrooms and decent parking. Don't forget your Discovery Pass! Must do hike, especially on a clear day! read more
5 years ago
The view makes it all worth it. If you're hiking up from the highway, it's a bit steep but from Squamish overlook it's not too bad. The trail felt a bit longer than advertised. read more
Oyster Dome is a brilliant trail, with a steep entry from Chuckanut Drive, which requires you to park on the street (which can be busy on weekends, particularly after 9am.) If you get a parking spot down there, you are sure to encounter a trail of two tales. Firstly, the trail is steep, and it's rough from that start point. It's rocky, muddy, and very woody. You are on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Land, so along the way, you will encounter trails that are more efficient, rather than built for hikers. WTA (Washington Trails Association) has been working on reworking the network of trails and is much nicer than before. After the halfway point, the second half of the trail is a gentle decline and a gentle upward trek, until the last bit, where to the top, it's just a little steeper. The view is pretty good! I suggest if you want to get to the view faster (less climbing), take the 5 miles trailroad, by way of barrel springs road, via the Algers exit on I-5. There is a complementary view at Sharpe Park, just south, at Sara's Head viewpoint, with much less hiking... but then again, what's the point, if you are sweating and sore at the end; I mean it's a hike.. and Oyster Dome will do it. read more
I live in Kent, so driving to Bellingham was almost a two hour journey. It was waaay worth it. This trail definitely has a few steep parts, so be ready for that. Additionally, there were several muddy patches when I went last week, but nothing that scared me away or made me slip. I'd say this trail is okay for beginners, as the friend that I took is very new to hiking. For me, as an intermediate hiker, I was never really out of breath but I did work up a sweat and was feeling it the next day! There are several view points, places to sit and relax, and a wide enough trail for people who have to pull off to the side if they have a crazy dog (cough cough, me). The end point of this trail is amazing. This hike is definitely challenging and you will be sore the next day, but man, it's worth it. *Note: there are no bathrooms close to Oyster Dome. Take care of that at the Starbucks or Subway that is ten minutes away from the trailhead! read more
Great well marked hiking trail. Started from Samish Overlook and it took us 1hr to climb and 51 mins down. Single file trail with lots of areas to rest if needed. My 12yr old daughter & 61yr old mother did just fine and were the leaders. read more
6 years ago
Pew pew, gotta write this review before I forget too much of my hiking experience :) Came here with a group of friends on Memorial Day, and here are some of my observations: 1) Go early - better parking spots, easier to hike the trail without constant people traffic...etc 2) Parking Lot = tiny...at most, 20 or so cars. Afterwards, people start parking on the side of the road. So SUVs / big cars, take caution when entering/leaving the parking area cuz it can get pretty cramped 3) Road Conditions - Other than the gravelly road, there was barely any potholes. So most cars should be able to get here without much trouble 4) Bring a Discover Pass 5) Facilities - Bring toilet paper / tissue packets if you use the bathrooms. When I went, there wasn't any toilet paper and it's super gross. -___- eww 6) WTA Directions - Make sure to follow the directions on the WTA website. It will lead you to the lookout point and from there, it's easier to pick which trail to go on (whether it be straight to the Oyster Dome, or a quick detour to the lake, and etc) 7) The view from the parking lot = similar/same view as the the "Oyster Dome" lookout area. :) So if you don't want to hike but want the view instead, swing by in the afternoon when it's sunny for pictures. Hiking Review: Overall, this hike is easy to moderate. The trail starts off fairly flat, and throughout the distance, there are gradual inclines that will leave you huffin' a bit. The hardest part of the trail is definitely the last quarter that leads you up to the Oyster Dome. When you feel like you're wheezin and huffin for air, booom. You have finally made it to the dome. It's a little anti-climatic but the view with the clouds is nice. To add an extra uumph to your hike, I recommend making a stop (on the way down) at the lakes - Lily & Lizard. The paths are superrrrr easy and flat and doesn't add too much stress. However, going back down was a bit hard, especially on the knees. Overall, hike was roughly around 9ish miles round trip (Lakes + Dome) and it was a fun trek. PS - a lot of people let their dogs loose here, so just a heads up to those who don't like surprises. read more
7 years ago
It's a nice trail with a decent view. The paved trail head parking can be pretty crowded and easily overflow into the gravel road leading to it. The gravel road lasts a 2-3 miles and is mostly pot hole free besides one section near the end. The hike is somewhat strenuous, but short. It gives the 1000 feet of elevation more or less in a miles worth of walking. The trail isn't rocky and is well maintained. read more
A favourite local spot with outstanding views of the San Juan island and Olympic national park on a clear day. There are couple ways to access either from bottom up or at 1/2 way view point if wanting a shorter hike. Remember that you will need a discovery pass which can be purchased via phone but need a pen and paper to display on the dash of the car. This was a great hike! Mostly covered which is perfect on a hot sunny day and probably only took 2.5 hours round trip from the midway viewpoint. Value 3/5 expensive to pay day pass just for a hike Atmosphere 5/5 Service 2/5 porter potties Quality 4/5 13/20 read more
Gorgeous views to be had at the top of the Oyster Dome trail!! However this is a very popular hike so prepare for crowds. Parking fills up real fast! We went on a Saturday morning, arrived at 9 am and there were already a lot of vehicles parked on the road (no parking lot). It also feels a little like your car might tumble down the edge of the bay as the spaces are narrow! The hike was extremely pleasant, when we went it was nice and dry. You gain a lot of elevation in the beginning and then it turns into a gentle walk for a bit. Don't be fooled by this stretch, it gets much steeper right at the end climbing up to the actual viewpoints but you will be rewarded by a stunning view if it is a clear day. Budget some time to spend stretched out in the sun at the top with you lunch. You won't want to leave. :) We saw lots of dogs enjoying the trail and a TON of hikers. This may be the busiest hike I have done but worth a trip. read more
My friend and I got to the trail around 9:30a on a Saturday. Parking is along the street. The trail was pretty popular as there was steady traffic as we headed down the trail back to the car. We spent about a half hour at the top, then headed to Lily Lake. We were going to hike to Lizard Lake but the trail was not well defined. The trail write-up at wta.org is accurate. Round trip I think the trail is 6.5 miles (or 3.25 miles one way). The first mile is steep and gets you warmed up quickly. The last 0.5 mile is super duper steep...I would recommend some hiking poles. Also, there are several stream crossings. While waterproof boots were not necessary in order to cross the streams, they are certainly an added bonus. Views are great! It's definitely worth the hike on a clear day! I'm an avid hiker and have been on some great trails. While this hike is good, has a great view, and I'd recommend it...based on scenery, etc. it's an average trail in this WA area. read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
This was my very first hike so it was pretty challenging but nothing I couldn't handle :) The moment you start the trail the incline is already steep and it's quite narrow. Throughout the trail, you had to cross a couple creeks and at one point we had to crawl under a tree trunk that covered the trail! Clumsy people, beware - there are tree roots everywhere and you might trip over it like I did (many times). There are a couple parts of the trail where it's pretty flat and you'll really appreciate the break! Halfway through the hike there is a bench with a nice view! It was nice to sit there for a couple minutes and rest before continuing. When you finally reach the top, the view is BREATHTAKING. After all the cuts and bruises, it was well worth it! Definitely coming back again in the summer. read more
11 years ago
This is a decent hike but is no longer a secret by any means. There is a lot of traffic on this trail but still great view. read more
8 years ago
This was a killer trail! If you're not used to hiking this may be a challenge, but once you get to the very top it's worth it. Me and my brother went here with my aunt. We all live in Bellingham so it wasn't a crazy drive. There's a very long gravel road that leads up to various parking lots. They can get very crowded due tok the fact Oyster Dome is a popular tourist attraction, and many people travel many miles to see the amazing experience. We parked in the upper parking lot, so it wasn't as much of a hike as it could've been, but still a long haul. There's many people that run the trails which is fantastic idea, I'll have to try that next time I go here. You'll pass by plenty of people so it's nice to sometimes say hello to others, and they could be literally from anywhere, so what I decided to do is make a fake Australian accent and act like Im from Austrailia to see what people say as they walk by. Once you get to the very top, it's like you're on top of the universe. We unpacked our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chilled out on the rock overlooking the vast waters and forestry. If you're looking for a killer workout, and a fun family hike with a fanatic view, I'd definitely check this place out! read more
10 years ago
11 years ago
More info about Oyster Dome Trail
Pacific Nw Trl
Bow, WA 98232
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Oyster Dome Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026
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