North Butte, Lily Lake Loop & Lily Lake — Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

I started at the Samish Overlook trailhead. The parking lot there was nearly full when I arrived at 10:00 am and 32 degrees. There was a dusting of snow but not on the trail until I was about three quarters of the way up the switchbacks. At the junction I went right and on to Lily Lake and then left onto the Lily-Lizard Connector and some sun on the west side of the lake. From there I went up to North Butte where I met two other hikers that were coming down. They were the only people I saw after leaving the junction of the Samish Bay Trail junction for the Oyster Dome. It was clear enough on the butte to see Mount Baker but that view will probably disappear in a few years because of the tree growth like it did at Madrone Crest several years ago. The view to the northwest where the bench is overlooking the Salish was a little foggy and the snow and ice on the rock was dicey.

I had planned to go on to Lizard Lake but my fingers were getting numb and aching so I went back down to the sun at Lily Lake for warmth and lunch. I saw a few people near the lake but the vast majority went up to the dome, so it was relatively quiet.

Overall, the trail is in good condition with a few muddy spots. As cold as it was the trail wasn't frozen. There three nice little falls along the trail but the creeks across the trail don't pose any problem crossing. The access road up to the overlook has some potholes but any vehicle can make it through. Do be cautious of the parking lot in the morning as it was iced over. The restrooms are open and well stocked.