Hike of the Week: Oyster Dome

A hiker takes a nap after feasting on Oyster Dome's succulent views

Oyster Dome

The Pearl of the Chuckanut Mountains





by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

December 16, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Chuckanut Mountains, Skagit County
Land Agencies: Washington Department of Natural Resources
Roundtrip: 6.0 miles
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Access: Trailhead is located near mile post 10 on SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) 12 miles south of Bellingham, and 15 miles north of Mount Vernon, WA.


What the shell is the Oyster Dome? It’s a huge wind-swept, glacial-polished, exposed hunk of rock with over 350-feet of sheer cliff in the Chuckanut Mountains. From this prominent landmark, located just south of Bellingham, you can see spread out before you: the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, the Skagit River Flats and a whole lot of saltwater!
The hike to the dome is short, only three miles-but its steep, 2,000-vertical feet worth. The trailhead is located just beyond milepost ten on Chuckanut Drive (SR 11). Two small turn-outs provide parking. Your route to the dome begins on the Pacific Northwest Trail, a 1,200 mile route from Olympic National Park to Glacier National Park in Montana.
The trail takes off through a uniform second-growth forest. A few giant snags and lone firs stand testament to the cathedral forest that once blanketed the region. The trail is well-constructed and maintained-the work not of the government but of a dedicated group of volunteers.
In one mile is a junction-take the left fork, the Oyster Dome Trail. Ascending dry southern slopes, a waxy undergrowth of salal carpets the forest floor. Madronas punctuate the firs. In 2.5 miles you’ll come to the base of the Dome. This area, a jumbled mess of fractured rock and boulders ripe with caves, is also known as the amphitheatre. A neat place to explore-proceed with respect as not to disturb the resident bat colonies.
Beyond the amphitheatre is a short spur trail to the Oyster Dome. Don’t clam up-proceed! As you break out of the forest and emerge upon this wide-open rocky promontory-prepare for a most appetizing feast of scenery. Samish Bay is 2,000 feet below but, close enough to taste the salty breezes coming off of it. Count the islands-watch the boats-soak up the rays of the sun. You just might catch yourself thinking, “Aw shucks! This Oyster Dome is beautiful!”