Mount Erie, Sugerloaf, Heart Lake & Whistle Lake
Hike through wooded forest areas reaching the highest point on Fidalgo Island, Mount Erie or meander around lakes in the lowlands. Enjoy commanding views of the San Juan Islands and Cascade mountains and waterfowl and other in the wetlands in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.
getting there
Mount Erie & Sugarloaf
Take Exit 230 of of I-5 and follow SR-20 west for 11.7 miles to the junction with SR-20 spur into Anacortes. Continue left on SR-20, after 1.8 miles turn right onto Campbell Lake Road. Drive 1.5 miles and bear right onto Heart Lake Road. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right at a sign indicating "Mt. Erie Viewpoint." Proceed 200 feet to the trailhead.
Heart Lake
From the Mount Erie trailhead, continue ~0.5 mile on Heart Lake Road to the Heart Lake trailhead.
other trailheads
There are three other trailheads north of Heart Lake and one trailhead north of Whistle Lake. There's also a trailhead to the top of Mount Erie. See the Green Trails Decpetion Pass No. 41S map for more information.
On the trail
about the area
The Anacortes Community Forest Lands (AFCL) is a natural area and former watershed adjacent to the city of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island in Skagit county. There are 2,800+ acres with fifty miles of well marked, multi-use trails. Elevation gains are up to 1200 feet. Enjoy views of San Juan islands and Cascade mountains as well as lakes and wetlands that support waterfowl.
- Trail maps of the ACFL are available in color on water resistant paper from City Hall, the Visitor’s Information Center, and local merchants. The maps are also available online. They show trail access and sanctioned usage.
mount erie via sugarloaf
7.3 miles loop with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, 1,273 ft high point
Following well marked trails, hike through the lovely forest to the summit at Mount Erie. The views from Mount Erie are spectacular, so plan on spending some time relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Descend the paved road to the junction of the Sugarloaf trailhead, then ascend to the second highest summit on Fidalgo Island. Enjoy the views from here before descending and connecting with the trail around Heart Lake.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Trail Running, Urban Walking
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7.3 None
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
- 1,273 ft
- Land Manager: Anacortes Parks & Recreation
- Parking Permit Required: None
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Deception Pass No. 41S
- see Land Manager
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Mount Erie
- Sugarloaf
- Mount Erie via Sugarloaf
- Heart Lake
- Whistle Lake
- Heart & Whistle Lakes
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