Near Oyster Dome Loop
San Juan Islands
Near Oyster Dome Loop
Oyster Dome offers a beautiful water view.
Near Oyster Dome Loop
Lily Lake.
Near Oyster Dome Loop
Well-maintained trail.
Near Oyster Dome Loop
Easy creek crossing.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Oyster Dome Loop

4.6 (51 Ratings)
A wooded singletrack route with expansive views of Samish Bay and challenging climbs.
8.3
mi
Distance
2,425
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Fall ColorsLakeSpringViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.3mi
Distance
2,425ft
Elevation Gain
2,425ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
2,044ft
High Point
210ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Park right near milepost 10 on the paved pullouts. Cross the road and enter the Pacific Northwest Trail (also known as the Chuckanut Trail), which climbs several large switchbacks. Follow signs for the Samish Overlook. Once you've had a chance to enjoy the views, transition to the Larry Reed Trail to continue your journey.At the overlook, cross the parking lot and re-enter the trail to the left of the large bike racks. At 2.8 miles, take the trail marked Max's Shortcut Trail. You'll reach Lily Lake, and turn left to continue, following sign for Oyster Dome. This short trail segment is appropriately known as the Oyster Lily Trail.Continue on your way until you reach an intersection with the Samish Bay Trail and the Oyster Dome Spur. Ascend the Oyster Dome Spur to Oyster Dome, which affords sweeping views of Samish Bay. Look out for paragliders launching!After descending from the Dome, enjoy an efficient descent down on the Samish Bay Trail to the intersection with the Pacific Northwest Trail and repeat a small section of switchbacks to return to the road.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail: Oyster Dome-Deception Pass

Hike Route

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail: Oyster Dome-Deception Pass

Birding
strenuous
36.41 mi
+2,203 ft
Oyster Dome

Hike Route

Oyster Dome

Views
moderate
3.15 mi
+2,047 ft
North Butte from Lower Blanchard Hill Trailhead

Hike Route

North Butte from Lower Blanchard Hill Trailhead

Lake
moderate
9.95 mi
+1,847 ft
Rock Trail

Hike Route

Rock Trail

Views
easy
1.77 mi
+675 ft
South Lost Lake Trail

Hike Route

South Lost Lake Trail

Lake
moderate
8.6 mi
+2,048 ft
Burnout Trail

Classic Hike Route

Burnout Trail

Birding
moderate
7.84 mi
+1,782 ft
Contributors
Anthony Cannistra