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.  

My first time on these trails so everything with new eyes.  The trail-head at the Samish overlook is very deluxe.  Two very clean outhouses, abundantly stocked, striped parking bays on black top, and nice picnic table and benches, plus of course a great view to gaze at while you put your boots on.  They've done a bit more work on the road and lots of the potholes have been filled in with fresh gravel.  Careful steering will get your sedan around the rest.  WTA trailhead directions accurate.  Not too busy on a sunny Friday arriving  around 9:30 but it was still pretty chilly.

Lots of trip reports for this area so just a few observations.  The trail does drop to start with before the first junction and then ascent, but I was impressed with how well graded it was.  The clear cut above this section is screened but it did mean sun could filter through.  Signage is good and it was not long before we were at the "dome", more of a rocky out crop really.  Quite a big area with a few trees interrupting the view to all things west and south west.  Even in the sun it was cool and the rock itself really chilly for lying on if you were tired like me.  We found a spot and took a sun break, enjoying being above the Bald eagle swooping below.  After our dome viewing we back tracked and continued on to Lily lake.  Easy trail now all the serious climbing is behind you and you follow a nice creek past a marshy area then to the outlet of the lake itself.  Nothing really special here.  Frogs were in full spring chorus and really loud.  There is an amazing back country campsite at the outlet with a fire-pit, all stocked with fire wood.  No obvious back country toilet and several pack it out poo signs, so take notice.

Passing Lily Lake the trail closest to the waters edge was a bit mucky but there is a drier option that traverses the lake side camp site area.  We continued on and when we came to the next junction we decided to tack on North Butte as we weren't too beat.  Just a short climb nothing technical but there was a  bit of wondering around looking for the best view points at the treed summit.  We did find the view to the north with a lovely bench (pictured), what a treat.  Tried to find Maddy's uninterrupted view of Baker to the east but only managed a partial through the trees.

On the return the frogs had fallen very silent which was a bit creepy.  We came back to the three prong junction before Lily Lake and after a bit of map staring for the missing fourth prong decided to head east with hope.  A few paces up the trail, but well hidden, was the start of Max's shortcut that we were looking for.  It was anything but short but the extra mileage means very few hikers and the forest was lovely.  The final part of the loop return is the Larry Reid connector, all function but some nice views to the south.  Close to 8 miles and a good loop hike.

Started out socked in by fog, but all cleared by the time we got to the top. The view was great and it was a beautiful day. Saw a lot of hikers, mostly on the way back down. Everyone was friendly and respectful. Love this as an early season hike. 

Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes, you’ll get something new… gotta love PNW conditions!

Started the Oyster Dome hike from Chuckanut Drive along the Pacific Northwest Trail entrance in a dimly sunlit/overcast around 930 am and climbed into a fairly thick misty fog which cleared for a mile then started lightly raining before becoming windy at the Dome itself which blew the clouds away to reveal a wonderful view. Walked back through several different weather conditions before driving home in the mist then walking my dogs around the neighborhood in Mount Vernon in brilliant sunshine and 65 plus degrees! 

The trail is clear and a bit muddy, but overall in great shape. Met a couple dozen folks and more than a few playful and well behaved dogs.

I want to express massive respect and admiration to the woman carrying a toddler in a backpack whilst hiking with two other kids. What a great role model for her kids and an inspiration for everyone on the trail! Reminded me fondly of my own mom doing things like that many, many decades ago and how strong a role model she was for this now old man and my younger sisters in the 1960’s and 70’s.

Last note: use caution on Chuckanut Drive. There was evidence of a large rock slide near the south end a mile or so from the trailhead that had been cleared. Some car and appliance sized rocks had been bulldozed into the ditch or shoulder on both sides of the road. The crews painted some of the large rocks orange to emphasize them until they can get cleared, but they are right up to the fog lines. Would hate to have been near that when it slid or find the debris in the road coming around a corner. The first picture in this report shows part of the debris, but there was much more on the opposite side of the road. 

Quick report for those interested in the Oyster Dome Trail from the Samish Overlook lot. Trail is in pretty good shape for this time of year. Some mud in areas and rocky tread as usual. The views were dramatic at both the overlook and at the Dome itself due to the cloudy conditions. Saw a couple dozen people including a group of college age hikers visiting from Tennessee. They commented there aren’t a lot of hills like this in their hometown of Nashville! 

BTW - Many thanks to whomever is keeping the bathroom clean and stocked. 

One note of caution - the road has developed some deep potholes. Nothing terrible, just more care needed than in times past. It looked like someone has been trying to fill some of the holes with rocks which helps. It’s right on the border of “suitable for all vehicles” and “rough but passable”.