Not too crowded on a cloudy Sunday after daylight savings, with rain in the forecast. Arrived just before 10a with a few other cars buffeted by the wind in the parking lot. Clean & well-stocked privy at the trailhead. Headed clockwise on the loop, the forest shielding me from the worst of the wind, otherwise trail in great condition. Ran into a 3 other parties on the way up, then 2 other parties at the windy overlook. Stopped by Lily Lake on the way back. 

We arrived at the parking lot at 11:30am and it was almost full. Plenty of spaces to park if the lot is full.

Trail was in good condition all the way to the dome. Very windy and cold at the top. If you plan to climb to the top, bring an extra coat.

Three bags of dog poop were left behind. We picked it up for you, since you couldn’t be bothered to do it yourself. You and your dog packed it in, you need to pack it out.

Great day for a great trail system! Started at Samish Overlook at 9 am, surprisingly, the only car in the lot on a Monday morning. Did an 8-mile loop including 1500 feet gain with side trips over 3-hours including photo ops and trail clean-up. The trails included Oyster Dome, to the Lily Lake Connector over to North Butte and the bench viewpoint then down to Lizard Lake around the east side of Lily Lake Trail and back to the overlook via Sam’s Shortcut and Larry Reed Trail. Only saw four people the entire time even though there were a dozen cars at the lot upon return. Luckily I beat the rain and even saw my shadow a few times. 

The trails are in good shape with some muddy areas at stream and spring crossings. Both lakes are still partially frozen. Did the hike in light boots rather than runners for that reason. These trails are typically rocky and rooty with moderate inclines. Thinking about the overall system, these are wonderful trails with nice paths, good views, and so many different greens and browns that one can really get into a serene mood or power through a strong workout walking or running. 

I found a dog bootie (see pic) and left it at the overlook attached to the fence. 

Drove up to Blanchard Upper around 9:30AM on Saturday and parking lot was fairly empty - granted we had about 3~4 hours before heavy rain was supposed to set in. Lots of large pot holes getting to the upper parking lot, but nothing bad enough that you can't navigate around or go slowly over. 

All the snow has melted at this point and the trail conditions were slightly muddy at times. Otherwise, beauuuuuutiful hike with a rewarding view at Oyster Dome overlooking Samish Bay.

My first time up Oyster Dome! My husband and I hiked from the Samish Overlook on President's Day. The road to the trailhead was a little snowy at the bottom, but the top half was mostly clear. By the time we left around 2:30 pm, the road was nearly clear, just a little muddy. Aside from snow/ice, the road did have some potholes and is narrow at times. I can see how it would be challenging in worse conditions.

The trail had some ice/snow, especially after the turn-off to Oyster Dome. The only place I considered putting on my spikes was at the water crossing right after the turnoff, but amazingly, the snow/ice cleared the closer we got to the top. Otherwise, the rest of the trail was a little damp, occasionally muddy. No views at the top, as today was quite socked in, but I could see how there would be views for much of the trail, parking lot to top.

The hike itself is a lovely haunt through a PNW mossy woods, filled with glacial erratic boulders and a nice overlook at the top. Note that from the Samish Overlook, it starts with an elevation loss of 200-300, so you'll have to regain that at the very end of the hike. It was a nice warm-up returning to the parking lot!

Lot was maybe 1/3 full on this February Monday. Two vault toilets had plenty of toilet paper.