Oyster Dome
1 week ago
Paragliders launch from viewpoint
11 this month · 119 reports
North Butte
Puget Sound and Islands
updated 2 months ago
Current conditions for North Butte are based on one report from July 3, 2026. The trail is described as being in good condition, snow-free, and the road is suitable for all vehicles. There were no bugs reported. The trail network is extensive with abundant signage at junctions, allowing for flexible route planning. While the report noted wildflowers blooming and wild berries beginning to appear but not yet ripe, the primary attraction, views of the San Juans, Olympics, and Skagit River flats, were obscured by fog and light drizzle at the time of the report. The sun did make a brief appearance in the afternoon, offering a glimpse of islands and the ocean. The trail is also used by horse riders and is well-maintained and wide.
Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about North Butte
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 2 months, so everything below is at least that old.
The trail was reported in good condition and snow-free on July 3, 2026. The road was suitable for all vehicles at that time as well.
No specific obstacles or hazards were mentioned in the report from July 3, 2026. Bugs were also not a reported issue.
On July 3, 2026, views were minimal due to fog and light drizzle, though a brief period of sun offered a glimpse of the islands and ocean. The report suggests returning on a clear day to fully appreciate the scenery.
The trail was quiet in the early morning on July 3, 2026, but became quite packed with people, including families and children, in the afternoon.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
We decided to take the PNW Trail off Chuckanut Drive to Oyster Dome which adds a steep climb to Samish parking lot, the official trailhead for Oyster Dome. You can drive to the parking lot to make it ...
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
Did a lovely overnight trip to lizard lake. I wasn't sure how many people to expect but there were only two other parties and several vacant campsites. The lake is tranquil, and nice for wildlife watc...
Older4 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
Hiked the loop per the Urban Trails Bellingham guidebook with the spur to North Butte.Road: Any car can make it, watch for potholes.Trailhead: Tons of parking, privyTrail: Excellent condition the enti...
Older4 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
We did a great hike to North Butte and then Lizard Lake, 6.2 miles round trip, starting from where the trail crosses the road just below Samish Overlook. There's a few places along the road to park (o...
Older6 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
Beautiful day with some snow in our local hills! Lots of happy people and doggos enjoying the weather.
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
We chose to not deal with parking on Chuckanut and instead parked at the Samish overlook. We were able to find parking easily even with a start time of 11 on a nice Sunday. It should be noted that by...
Older7 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
I arrived at the Upper DNR parking area around 8:45 on a rainy Saturday morning to meet the rest of my hiking group and the parking lot was about half full. There are privies at the trailhead and they...
Older8 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
A beautiful, sunny albeit cold day for this hike - started from the upper trailhead just after 9 am, half full parking lot but seemed like more cars were turning towards the Oyster Dome lot. Understan...
Older8 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
The goal for the hike was North Butte, one of the more neglected destinations in the Chuckanuts.A secondary goal was to see how the Blanchard Mountain trails are coping with the series of atmospheric ...
Older9 months ago
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
I started at the Samish Overlook trailhead. The parking lot there was nearly full when I arrived at 10:00 am and 32 degrees. There was a dusting of snow but not on the trail until I was about three qu...