Oyster Dome

A rocky window over the San Juans where the Cascades meet the Salish Sea. Start at Samish Overlook to avoid the dangerous Chuckanut Drive crossing.

Why choose this trail

Geology and Salish Sea views. The Samish Overlook start provides a shorter climb through Blanchard State Forest to Oyster Dome; the Chuckanut Drive start is longer and involves limited highway parking.

Landscape & habitat

Blanchard Mountain is where the Cascades meet the Salish Sea. The dome exposes Shuksan Greenschist and Darrington Phyllite formed by subduction, while nearby talus caves shelter small mammals.

Access, passes & rules

A Discover Pass is used at DNR sites. The road to Samish Overlook is steep, narrow and unpaved; large vehicles have restrictions.

Conditions & hazards

The dome has unguarded cliffs, and the Chuckanut trailhead requires a hazardous highway crossing. Use the overlook approach when practical.