The Oyster Dome hike is in the Chuckanut Mountain Range, a short distance south of Bellingham, Washington. There are a number of trails in the mountain, and we extended our hike and visited North Bluff, Lily Lake, and Lizard Lake. On the way back, we took Max’s Shortcut (which isn’t really a shortcut, but is a nice gentle slope down).

Getting There

We started the hike at the recommended spot at the Samish Overlook parking lot (see the map below).

From the parking lot, there is already a great view of Samish Bay. The first viewpoint on the trail is Oyster Dome, which took us about 1.5 hours to reach. About 30 minutes after leaving the Oyster Dome viewpoint, we arrived at Lily Lake for a quick visit. After Lily Lake, our destination was North Bluff, another 30 minutes away. These bluffs are a great stopping point, and it’s here we had lunch. Following an extended visit to North Bluff, we made our way to Lizard Lake, which we arrived at in 20 minutes. At Lizard Lake, we saw three horses and their riders. After the visit to Lizard Lake, we headed back via Max’s Shortcut.

Discover Pass & Border Crossing

A Discover Pass can be purchased in advance online at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Border crossing tips: bring your passport, Nexus, or enhanced ID. No fruit, no vegetables, no meat (this isn’t a complete list). Trail mix is okay.

A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website. Check it out!

Trail Stats

• Distance: 13 km (loop)
• Time: 5.5 hours (including lunch and many breaks)
• Low point: 334 m
• High point: 677 m
• Elevation gain: 333 m
• Cumulative elevation gain: 685 m
• Trailhead and parking: 48° 36′ 29.5″ N, 122° 25′ 59″ W (Google Map)

The Route

The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point.

Photos

Before You Hike

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule that hikers follow called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed. To learn more about LNT, please check out this blog by a certified LNT Trainer.

The Horseshoe Bend trail is located just off the Mt. Baker Highway, a short distance northeast of the town of Glacier. The trail starts on the banks of the North Fork of the Nooksack River (which originates from the glaciers of Mount Shuksan). This trail follows the river, crossing a number of ravines, and at the highest point you are 100 m above the Nooksack River. This is a great little trail, with some nice views and peaceful surroundings.

Nooksack Falls

While you’re in the area, I suggest you take a look at the nearby Nooksack Falls. It’s only 10 km (6 miles) away! I have a photo below. The location is on NF-33, just off the Mt. Baker Highway. The parking lot for the falls is here.

Getting There

Permits & Border Crossing

Or you can buy an ePass in advance online at the Discover Your Northwest website.

Border crossing tips: bring your passport, Nexus, or enhanced ID. No fruit, no vegetables, no meat (this isn’t a complete list). Trail mix is okay.

A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website. Check it out!

Trail Stats

• Distance: 5 km (linear return)
• Time: 1 to 3 hours
• Low point: 299 m
• High point: 389 m
• Elevation gain: 90 m
• Cumulative elevation gain: 330 m
• Trailhead: 48° 54′ 8.7″ N, 121° 54′ 42.2″ W (Google Map)

The Route

The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point.

Photos

Before You Hike

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule that hikers follow called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed. To learn more about LNT, please check out this blog by a certified LNT Trainer.

Whatcom Falls Park is an urban oasis in Bellingham, Washington. The park features a number of multi-use trails through a cool forest. It’s a great hike on a hot summer day! There are waterfalls, swimming holes, a great old stone bridge, and a decommissioned railway trestle. There are so many routes here, but I picked a nice loop (because I like loops!).

The geology of the area features sandstone, which is eroded smooth, and holes form in the rock. This park is similar in features and geology to Kanaka Creek Park in Maple Ridge, BC.

Trail Stats

• Distance: 6.7 km (4.2 mi) (loop)
• Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Low point: 29 m
• High point: 117 m
• Elevation gain: 88 m
• Trailhead and parking: 48° 45′ 4.7″ N, 122° 25′ 43.7″ W (Google Maps and navigation)

The Route

The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point.

Photos