Finally, after months of typical northwest gray upon drizzle, upon rain type of weather, the sun has finally broke free of the bounds of our low pressure weather systems. The result of this is that I am just bitting at the bit to step out onto a wilderness trail and experience the pleasurable euphoria that only Mother Natures wonderland can provide. Next stop Oyster Dome.

This trail has all the ear marks of being a delightful and scenic adventure along Blanchard Mountain under mildly warm and crystal clear blue skies. The trail is part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, a network of trails which crosses the states of Washington, Idaho and Western Montana. It is also known as the PNT, not to be confused the PCT, Pacific Crest Trail.

At the trailhead and a beginning elevation of about 150 feet, this trek will ascend continuously until you reach your destination atop Oyster Dome at about 2100 feet.

The trail is well groomed and marked, and being that there are a number of side trails, it is advisable to pay attention to the signs along the way.

So I stepped out onto the PNT and began my ascent through a series of steep switchbacks steadily climbing through a cool lush forest of secondary growth, with a few good specimens of white and red cedar old growth left, but not much to speak of. Besides the thick forest canopy, the trail is also landscaped with thick deep green ferns reaching heights of up to five feet. With the latter part of Spring upon us, some wildflowers grace the trail sides with there flagrant colors of white, blue and violets.

After about a mile I finally reached a small clearing which offered some good views of the Samish Bay region. But these were not as good as those further up the trail, where there is a viewpoint sign indicating a side spur to a view which offers a more open view of the same. As I continued along I discovered that the trail opens up to a gravel road which happens to be a popular launch point for hang gliders, and again even better views of Samish Bay, the San Juan Isles and the snow capped mountains of Washington States Olympic Peninsula.

After returning to the main trail, I continued my ascent along trail conditions that became steeper and rougher with plenty of rocks and roots to use as steps along the way. There are a few creek crossings, but most were dried up due to the early snow pack run off and unusual warm winter. As I continued, I came across an informative sign about the Ice Age and the formations it had caused in the area. Just west of this sign there is a large boulder in which I scrambled up and was rewarded more deep blue water views.

Returning to the main trail for another stretch of steep ascent, I finally came upon an intersection with a sign indicating that the Talus Trail is to the left. I stepped forth onto this trail and crossed another stream and then reached a large boulder field beneath a high rock wall which happens to be the back side of Oyster Dome. What makes this area interesting is that it is the home of the Townsend Big Eared Bats, which live in the caves and crevices beneath and under the large boulders of this granite field on the back side of Oyster Dome. Not exactly a healthy place to be poking around, which the warning signs give grave yield too.

So, after returning to the main trail I continued the fun of steep switchback climbing ever so much ascending higher in elevation for another quarter of a mile or so, until I reached an tee intersection with no trail destinations. To the left is Oyster Dome and to the right is Lilly Lake. I turned left and scooted up some more through some nice forested floor cover until I finally reached the dome summit and my rewards.

After climbing onto the top of a huge granite bolder which is shaped like a oyster, I was clearly awl struck with terrific views of the Samish Bay - Puget Sound water ways with the San Juan Isles and the snow capped Olympic Mountains. It was absolutely a drop dead gorgeous day with a large bright blue sky and waters to match. The San Juan Islands, with Blanchard Mountain covered in a luscious deep green contrasted against the deep blue sky and blue waters, is just a little example of the beauty of our big blue marble circling a warm sun.

From this vista point I could see Mount Rainier to the south, which gauged visibility at about 150 miles. A little closer to earth are the fertile lands of Skagit Valley. As I turned my head westward, I could see the partially submerged shoals of the oyster beds being farmed and cultivated in the region. So out comes the camera, click - click, snap - snap. Afterwards, I settled myself down comfortably upon the dome and enjoyed a lunch with a view which could not be beat even with Imax.

After lunching and soaking in Mother Natures view in real time, I packed up and descended the dome and headed back down the trail. When I reached the Lilly Lake trail intersection I decided to take a side trip and visit the lake. After all I like lakes too. The trail was rather pleasant and relatively level. Which is a nice comfort considering the thigh master workout coming up.

As I was approaching the lake I came upon an area on the outlet side of the lake in which there was evidence of a considerable amount of beaver activity. Trees have been chewed down and I could see the makings of a couple of beaver damns. I did not witness any beavers and it appeared that the damns may very well have been abandoned.

I continued along the trail and watched as the lake rose up before me. There are a couple campsites around the lake for hikers and horses. After settling down onto a bench on a out crop part of the lake, it was easy to see why it was titled Lilly Lake.

It is not a very big lake at all. In fact Lilly Lake is a small, shallow lake. Which makes it was easy to imagine that the lake could shrink to the size of a Lilly Pond during the waning day of summer.

So at this point I decided to turn tail and begin my descent to the PNT trailhead. If you think you’ll have fun climbing this trail, which I am sure you will, then wait for the knee pounding, toe jamming dance you will experience during your downward descent. But don’t let any of that discourage you from taking on this adventure. Oyster Dome is a good trek to get you into the groove of the trekking season. Bring a lunch, plenty of water and don’t forget the camera. Oyster Dome is another memory making adventure into Mother Natures Wonderland.