Worth the Hike: Blanchard Trail System

I’ve done a couple hikes in Blanchard Trail System over the last few weeks. It was my first time exploring that area and I was impressed by how many trail options there are, how popular it is, and how it’s still possible to find some isolation and barely used trails.

For my first hike, I parked near Samish Overlook and began hiking the Samish Bay trail toward Oyster Dome. I walked almost the entire way to Oyster Dome, but then a headache started creeping in and the last thing I wanted was to be really far away from my car and have to walk back with a splitting headache. It was only after I returned to the car that I learned I turned around within a half mile of the Dome and missed the great views from up there.

For my second trip, I decided to park at a different lot (Samish Overlook is by far the most popular parking destination). And hiked the Lily & Lizard Lake trails. I started on an old road marked BL-ML which had no one else on it and is a very subdued and easy hike. I found a beautiful hidden outlook for Mt Baker with a nice sitting rock to take in the majesty of creation.

From there I continued on up Alternate Incline and ran into my first few people coming down the mountain. It was here that I realized I hadn’t really hiked in a year. This ascent really winded me and I found I had to stop and catch my breath quite a few times.

At the next intersection, I took a right and headed toward the Lizard Lake Campgrounds. I was surprised to find the campgrounds setup with firepits and benches, but also grateful as it afforded me an easy spot to stop, rest, and eat some food.

I wanted to make sure I hit both Lizard Lake and Lily Lake, so I headed out along the Lily CG trail which starts with another climb. Luckily I was well rested from my break and this climb was much shorter than Alternate Incline’s. After a few minutes, I saw a sign pointing to the trail for North Butte. I opted not to go that way as I was getting pretty tired overall and didn’t want a detour, but I will definitely be hiking this route on a future trip!

A few minutes later, I was at Lily Lake. The lily pads hadn’t formed for the season yet, but I could see them growing under the water. In just a few weeks, this lake will be full of beautiful water lilies.

I finished my hike by heading down Lily Lizard trail headed back to the parking lot. Despite it being mid afternoon on a Sunday, this is when I started running into group after group headed up the mountain. So if you’re looking for a more quiet hike, mostly alone in the wilderness experience, stick to Alternate Incline. If you don’t mind the throngs of people hit up Samish Bay and Lily Lizard. No matter what you choose, this is a green and luscious mountain. You’ll have great views of wildlife, greenery, and the surrounding areas.

Many of these trails are multi-use with hiking, biking, and horseback riding being done across them. So make sure you’re up on your trail etiquette when you head out for adventure on this lovely mountain.

Blanchard Trail SYstem

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James works for a local Everett-based company and enjoys board games, hiking, and food. You can find him playing Kubb at a local park or getting lost in the woods.