Visited Oyster Dome via the Chuckanut Drive trail access point. Having done the dome trail from Samish Overlook a few times, I wanted to see the rest of the trail. As described in the hike details, there is limited parking but I found a spot a short way south along the highway. This trail starts out climbing right away but the switchbacks made it tolerable for my old knees. Put on spikes about a mile in once the trail was consistently snow and ice covered. Stayed icy and snowy all the way to the viewpoint.
Only saw a dozen people in the three hours it took to cover 8 miles and 2000 feet elevation gain RT. Most hikers had spikes and poles but some runners were using trail shoes and a couple had big winter boots like Sorrels.
This extra mileage and gain paid back the additional effort in solitude, views and more time in nature. Plus, Chuckanut Drive is always a treat. Will definitely visit this trail section again!
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