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Trip Report

Oyster Dome — Friday, Nov. 29, 2019

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
Trail Map

Road: The dirt road leading to the trail head is rough, but doable in any vehicle. There was one very rough spot towards the top that might be a bit rough on vehicles with low clearance.

Trail: There was exactly one fallen tree over the trail - but simple enough to for an average-height person to step over. There were a few icy patches that post no issues. Some of the smooth rocks at the top had small amounts of ice that could lead to a dangerous slip by somebody being extremely careless - but otherwise quite avoidable.

Weather: Cold and clear. When I started, it was 28 degrees. When I returned it was a balmy 35. The clear skies gave spectacular views from the top.

I started in the Samish Overlook parking area and took the Larry Reed trail (just to the left of the restrooms) to Max's shortcut to the Oyster-Lily Lake trail before climbing to the Oyster Dome. I returned via the main Samish Bay trail. Those who don't mind a little more length for lesser crowds might appreciate the Larry Reed trail at least one-way.

I arrived at the trail head shortly after 7:00 and was the first one there in the morning. En route to the Oyster Dome, I only encountered one other person - a mountain biker who passed me about two miles in. As I descended the main trail mid-morning, throngs of people were heading up. The parking lot was over-flowing by the time I arrived back at the parking lot. 

A view from the top
A lovely icicle feature
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