Oyster Creek Blanchard Mountain Hike - Skagit County

 Join us on National Trails Day to hike through old-growth forest to spectacular views of the San Juan Islands from Blanchard Mountain's Oyster Dome. Late spring is the perfect time to visit this gem of a hike close to Bellingham. A healthy climb along Oyster Creek will shake the rainy days out of your bones. Trail gains 1200 ft. in 2 miles; some sections are muddy with roots and rocks. Ferns are lush, big trees abundant, wildflowers poking up, and the critters are out for sighting. Blanchard Mtn. is DNR land that the Mt. Baker Group and Friends of Blanchard fought to preserve the old-growth forest on this near-urban area. Wear good hiking footwear, and bring water, lunch and recommend trekking poles and raingear. Also cameras / binoculars! Meet in Fairhaven (south Bellingham.) This outing is open to the public. Optional dinner in Edison after hike. For trip details and to sign up, please contact Terese VanAssche or 253-334-2157. (MB/ CH)