Oyster Dome, Lilly Lake and Lizard Lake
Nov 01, 2009
by
halffast
—
last modified
Jul 14, 2010 02:37 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Lily Lake and Lizard Lake
- Region: Puget Sound and Islands -- North Sound
- Agency: Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Avg Rating: 3.00
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Oyster Dome
- Region: Puget Sound and Islands -- North Sound
- Agency: Department of Natural Resources, Northwest Region
- Avg Rating: 3.81
- Why You Should Go Now
- Fall foliage
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
The goal... Oyster Dome
Sunday's weather was way toooo nice not to get outdoors. The seeming draw back for me was that I had to be back in town too early for me to get into the mountains and do any length of a hike.
I decided that since I had never seen the views from Oyster Dome the three previous times that I had been up there and with the awesome weather we were having, that this hike would be a great choice. And... this was a greaaaat choice as the views really are quite spectacular even on a slightly hazy day.
Where I started the trail was off Chuckanut Drive just south of the Oyster Bar. No real parking lot, just a wide spot on the road. You waste no time gaining elevation. I do not know the total elevation of this hike but I will say that it is on the aerobic side. The first 1.8 miles are a pretty steady climb, then it is rolly for awhile and then more climbing to the top. The views are worth the sweat you will loose.
The first part of the trail is in great shape. Once you past the 1.8 mile junction, the trail is a bit wet/muddy, rooty, rocky and there are several places where you really do need to pay attention to your footing. There are a couple of talus slopes on the way that are not too bad going up but on the nasty side coming back down.
I would not really say this is a "kid friendly" hike unless they have some experience in challenging trail conditions. My treking poles were quite handy on the way up and I was especially glad to have them on the way down.
After enjoying the views and my lunch at the Dome, I started back down with a side trip to Lilly Lake. The trail to the lake is about 3/4 of a mile, quite flat and beautiful with a creek entertaining you on the way. A very nice side trip.
I had a greaaaat day and would recommend this hike. I am guessing the mileage to be about 7 1/2 +/- miles with my side trip to Lilly Lake. There is enough elevation gain for you to feel like you got a good work out and even with a late start I was in my car heading back home by 2:35... yay !!
Happy hiking...
I decided that since I had never seen the views from Oyster Dome the three previous times that I had been up there and with the awesome weather we were having, that this hike would be a great choice. And... this was a greaaaat choice as the views really are quite spectacular even on a slightly hazy day.
Where I started the trail was off Chuckanut Drive just south of the Oyster Bar. No real parking lot, just a wide spot on the road. You waste no time gaining elevation. I do not know the total elevation of this hike but I will say that it is on the aerobic side. The first 1.8 miles are a pretty steady climb, then it is rolly for awhile and then more climbing to the top. The views are worth the sweat you will loose.
The first part of the trail is in great shape. Once you past the 1.8 mile junction, the trail is a bit wet/muddy, rooty, rocky and there are several places where you really do need to pay attention to your footing. There are a couple of talus slopes on the way that are not too bad going up but on the nasty side coming back down.
I would not really say this is a "kid friendly" hike unless they have some experience in challenging trail conditions. My treking poles were quite handy on the way up and I was especially glad to have them on the way down.
After enjoying the views and my lunch at the Dome, I started back down with a side trip to Lilly Lake. The trail to the lake is about 3/4 of a mile, quite flat and beautiful with a creek entertaining you on the way. A very nice side trip.
I had a greaaaat day and would recommend this hike. I am guessing the mileage to be about 7 1/2 +/- miles with my side trip to Lilly Lake. There is enough elevation gain for you to feel like you got a good work out and even with a late start I was in my car heading back home by 2:35... yay !!
Happy hiking...
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On the main trail
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The first views
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Lilly Lake
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Oyster Dome
Be aware! Part of this area was slated to be clearcut. Things look better now, but still not guaranteed. there is a movement afoot to stop it, but the DNR has the final say. Go to http://www.blanchardmountain.org/ for the latest news and updates.