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Oyster Dome TrailThis was our second attempt at hiking to the Oyster Dome Trail since we have lived here. Basically, we have been all over the trails upon Chuckanut Mountain and consider these trails our favorite challenges to hike. Our first attempt failed. We took our dogs and ended up only at what is called a "Look-Out" point. They and us were extrememly worked! We obviously took a wrong turn and because of the moderate to strenuous climb the first time, we left the dogs at home this time. We set out determined this time to find it and make it to the top. As you can see, this particular hike is part of the Pacific Northwest Trail. Over 1000 miles of trails that stretch from Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean. (We're not ready for the whole thing...yet. We will have to do little by little!) This trail head also connects with 3 other trails.  The Oyster Dome Trail is a more strenuous challenge. It climbs and climbs AND climbs for 1.8 miles to the first tee in the road and then it climbs some more...This trail is rated as "moderately difficult"...not for the faint-hearted, for sure. However, having finally successfully traversed this route, we felt it was more difficult than moderate!
While stopping to catch our breath, we found some awesome trees and scenery. There was one that was just off the beaten path with it's huge roots up over the ground that we had to step over. It was truely amazing. This one was "typical" up here in the Great Pacific Northwest, but never-the-less...beautiful!
Halfway to our ultimate destination we found a welcome resting place which offered our first fantastic view of the northern San Juan Islands.
 At this halfway point someone who probably also needed to rest has been so kind as to donate and place a bench at this view point for the many weary climbers to follow. (I was thankful! I won't kid you, it isn't an easy hike. People half my age were grunting the hike, too.) I say "climbers" because after this halfway point comes the most strenuous of the hike to the top of the Oyster Dome Trail. Although this trail still looks fairly tame, this is the beginning of where the Oyster Dome Trail separates the "men from the boys" so-to-speak.  As promised, the trail began to no longer be a "hike" and turned out to be a genuine climb. At this point we often found ourselves almost on our hands and knees to make the climb. Everyone we met coming back down, we asked, "are we there...yet"? Funny how we were asked the same question, even by younger climbers on our way down!
As we got almost to the top we were pleasantly surprised to find a small stream and a waterfall. We had to cross the waterfall to stay on the trail...it was refreshing and relaxing time before heading on. And just a few more grunts and we're there!
 When finally (approximately 3 hours later) we reached the top of the Oyster Dome, we were greeted by the most breath-taking view across the bay to the San Juan Islands! It was truely an "Eureka" moment for me. Well worth all the grunting to get there! We had climbed so high that even the smaller airplanes were flying lower than us. As we looked down to where (?) our car would be, we were so amazed, too, how far into the Chuckanut's we were.
Check out the reward....there is absolutely nothing like this. It just puts a whole new spin on "the world is your oyster".
Directions to the Oyster DomeGo down Highway 11, Chuckanut Drive, from Fairhaven. Follow the road to just before mile marker 10. You will go past Larrabee State Park. The trail head doesn't have a parking lot, but you'll more than likely see cars parked on the side of the road. It's on the east side of the road...the water is on the west. If you look this up on Google Earth, you'll be amazed at how far away from the road you get on this hike. Especially for those who have already been there. The Oyster Dome Trail, now, has been our most strenuous hike, but also the most rewarding as well.
Go back up to the top of the Oyster Dome Trail Find more hiking trails around Bellingham
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Do you need a map to go hiking in Bellingham? You can get one here from the Bellingham Parks Dept! Just scroll down our maps of Bellingham page and you can go in and download one from the parks department! Click here for hiking trail maps.
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