This is a manageable steady climb with numerous cut backs, and one of the best views at the top.
ROAD - To find the starting point of Oyster Dome you will want to follow the Google Maps directions to "Samish Overlook" - The road getting there was very well maintained about 1.5 car width and only a handful of potholes for the 4 mile stretch on Blanchard Hilltrail to the parking lot.
PARKING - The parking lot has approximately 24 spots + 2 handicap spots. There are not many areas to "improvise" parking on Blanchard Hilltrail road, if the parking lot is full, so be warned. I went on a rainy Wednesday at 10am and there were never >10 cars in the lot for the rest of the afternoon. I imagine on weekends that's a different story. The parking lot does have two bathrooms, but no sink/water.
HIKE - The trail starts off moderately level and then for the last half involves constant steep climb with use of many cutbacks to help. Approximate length from the parking lot to the top is 2.15 miles which took roughly an hour at above average pace. On the day I went, the trail was not significantly muddy nor slippery. It is very well maintained and easy to navigate. At the top there is plenty of space for many people to sit and enjoy the view, and wouldn't be crowded unless 20+ people were there.
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