I met a group of Mountaineers for a hike to North Butte and Oyster Dome today. We met at the upper parking area around 8:15 and there were already several cars in the parking area. The road to the parking area is in decent shape with some large potholes that are avoidable and larger ones that were recently filled with gravel. The privies in both the upper and lower parking areas are in good shape as of this report. 

From the parking area, our outbound route was as follows: Lily-Lizard Trail--> Lizard Lake Trail-->out and back from the viewpoint on the North Butte Trail-->Lily Lake Trail--> Oyster-Lily Trail--> out and back from the viewpoint at Oyster Dome. From the viewpoint at Oyster Dome, our inbound route was the Oyster-Lily Trail-->Max's Shortcut-->Lily-Lizard Trail to the parking area. We were back at the cars by 2:30. Strava measured the route to be about 10.5 miles. 

In terms of trail conditions, the only issues I noticed were some mud in areas on all of the trails and a few stream crossings, but there was nothing that couldn't be managed with good boots and a trekking pole. It was a beautiful day and our group encountered many other parties out hiking today. 

We forgot our Discovery Pass, so ended up just driving in, taking in the views and driving out. But on the way out, at 2pm, Sunday April 13, 2025, two cougar loped across the road about 500 feet in front of our truck just as we were about a 1/2 mile past Blanchard Lower Trail. They were a matched pair, appeared to be adults, heathy & strong and on the move southward. No time to capture photo, whole thing over is less than 3 seconds. It was amazing! Reported it to WA Fish & Wildlife, as well as Blanchard DNR Northwest Region office.

Steep switchbacks but beautiful views at trailhead and summit! Arrive very early for weekend parking.

Beautiful day for hike, sunny and clear! Trail was only slightly muddy in a few places but otherwise in great condition. We hiked to the dome as part of a loop, hiking from Samish Outlook up the PNW trail to approach the dome from the west side and then stopped by Lily Lake and took Max’s Shortcut/Lardy Reed trail back. It was quite busy on the first part of our loop headed to the dome, and much quieter on the trails heading out. Max’s Shortcut definitely seemed less steep on our way out, so it might have a been easier to approach the dome from the east. Overall though, big fan of this hike and the beautiful views of the mountains and San Juan islands.

We were the first cars in the parking lot at 7:50AM, but cars started arriving soon after we parked. The road up to the Samish Overlook is in good condition.  We could see where some of the potholes have been recently filled in, but don't let that fool you.  There are still a few deep holes but they can be easily avoided. The restroom at the overlook was clean and well stocked.

We took a break to take in the view from Oyster Dome and then continued on to Lily Lake.  The campground at Lily lake was empty but in good condition.  

Lizard Lake was calm with no bugs in sight!  Looks like there is some campground maintenance happening there.  We sat and watched as a few fish were jumping.  Today was the first sunny and warm day this spring and the forecast for tomorrow is even warmer with temps reaching 70 degrees.  The blissful bug free experience won't last much longer.   

We returned on the Larry Reed Trail.  The little yellow violets were just starting to bloom on this section of the trail. The parking lot was completely full with a few cars lining the road when we got back to Samish Overlook at 12:20PM.