Oyster Dome — Saturday, May. 20, 2006

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

Distance is 7.2 miles and the elevation gain is 1,900 feet. This hike is in the Blanchard Mountain area of the Southern Chuckanuts. Our route started at MP 10.1 on Chuckanut Drive (SR11). We hiked up the Oyster Dome trail which linked up with the Talus Trail. These trails are dry and in very good condition, there are many very steep areas which can be challenging and a couple stream crossings which require a little concentration. Oyster Dome was our first stop; this is a high cliff with views of the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Samish Bay, Samish Island, Lummi Island and many more Islands. On our way back we took a spur trail that leads 0.1 mile to a giant talus field otherwise known as the “Bat Caves”. Even with the threat of rain there were many people climbing on the rocks, hiking the trails, mountain biking and enjoying the view points. On our arrival we learned of the alarming potential clear-cut and logging road development of the Blanchard Mountain public lands area. Petitions and website information are available at www.blanchardmountion.org. This area belongs to us, not to private logging companies. We can make a difference all we need to do is speak out.