We have hiked to Oyster Dome via the Samish Overlook many times.  It's a place we take friends when they want to see a bit of the outdoors and can hike a ways. It's also a great place to view Mount Baker, the Cascades, the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound right from the parking area. If the day and wind is right you can watch hang gliders and para sailors launch from this spot.  This day the wind wasn't right and having done this hike many times we decided to explore a different way.  The Oyster Dome Loop trail via the PNW Trail and Max's Shortcut returning via the Samish Bay Connector.  This was a new way for us and I really enjoyed it.  There is a clear cut section that these trails go completely around.  Being a bit out of shape, it made my legs burn in some areas and I took off my jacket but other than that it was a great hike.  I could see doing this again and if done early enough during the day, going to Lizard and Lilly Lake, taking the spur up to the Dome and back would make a great day hike, complete with a beer at the end. This day there was plenty to enjoy as the trees and shrubs were just starting to leaf out and uncurl their flower buds. There was still ice on the ponds and the moss heavily grew on the trees providing that deep earthy green that glows in the late afternoon sun. The trail is well maintained with a great bridge over a small creek.  When we arrived back at the trail head, people were starting to set up chairs to watch the sun set over the water.  Truly we live in a beautiful area.