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BLANCHARD MOUNTAIN: The Oyster Dome from the Samish Overlook
A Skagit County hike
This hike utilizes that part of the PNT between the Samish Overlook, the Oyster Dome Trail, Max’s Shortcut, and the Larry Reed Trail. NOTE: This hike can not be done as described if a logging operation has the B-2000 Road blocked. See below.
Data: This 6 mile loop with a total elevation gain of about 900 feet is all on trail. The hiker is on WA Department of Natural Resources, DNR, land. Please respect the rights of the land owners/managers. The forest on Blanchard, except for those portions in the DNR Conservation Area, is a working forest and from time to time logging operations and road closures occur. To check out logging operations and road closures, call the DNR office in Sedro-Woolley at 360-856-3500. SWITMO rates this as a moderate hike. SWITMO helps maintain those sections of the PNT that cross Blanchard Mountain. WA State Discover Pass required to drive on DNR Roads and to park at the trailhead.
2013 note: The B-2000 road to the Overlook is scheduled to be closed for a time during the summer of 2013 for a logging operation. This logging operation will also affect the route of the PNT on the western part of the Larry Reed Trail. Once the logging operation is over, the PNTA and SWITMO will be able to go in and rebuild the trail. The protected route of the PNT (that part that lies in the Conservation Area) that descends from the Oyster Dome area on the Samish Bay Connector is currently very steep at the outset—we call that area “The Wall”. The PNTA will work with the DNR to determine the best way to improve the trail in this area as well as other areas on the Samish Bay Connector.
Driving Instructions: From I-5 take the Alger exit #240. Drive west on Lake Samish Road about one mile and turn left onto Barrel Springs Road. In a mile or so turn right onto a logging road. There should be signs here that indicate Blanchard Mountain Trail. This is the start of logging road B-1000. This area was clear-cut in about 2008. Continue on the B-1000 Road, going up hill a bit, curving around, and passing a trailhead on your right. There is a toilet facility here; there is no toilet facility at the trailhead. Continue on the B-1000 Road, winding around, slightly uphill. You will come to the B-2000 Road on your left. Turn LEFT onto the B-2000 Road and continue to its end at the Overlook. The Overlook area has been improved. It has an asphalt parking lot, a toilet facility, benches, hitching posts for horses, and areas from which the hang gliders jump. Hike Description:
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