Overview
Mt. Erie stands nearly 1300' above the surrounding saltwater, and is visible from many points in the San Juans to the west, and as far away as Mt. Vernon to the East. It is Fidalgo Island's high point, and has a road to the top, offering views of the Cascades and Olympics. (The mountain itself is not geologically part of either range.) The mountain is contained within an Anacortes city park, and consists of a feldspar and hornblende rich diorite. It hosts many established climbing routes on its various walls, and a well-developed system of trails connect the climbing areas to the road and each other. Climbs are a mix of sport and trad, with crimpy face climbs and moderate shallow crack climbs being the norm. I will try to continually add more photos and route descriptions, but feel free to contribute as well.
Getting There
From I-5, take exit 230, and follow the signs west along Highway 20 towars Anacortes/Whidbey Island. Be sure to stay on Hwy 20, and veer left, avoiding the "hwy 20 spur" which leads to Anacortes downtown. At 1.7 miles after a left turn at the stop light where you avoided the spur highway, you'll take a right onto Campbell Lake Road. At 1.6 more miles, trend right at the Lake Erie Grocery, onto Heart Lake Road. PArking for lower mountain is in a gravel pullout on the right hand side after .2 more miles. If you want to drive to the top parking, continue .1 miles further, and turn right up Ray Auld Memorial drive to the summit.
Red Tape
No red tape, no passes needed. There are no public restrooms at the park. There might officially be daylight only hours, check the sign upon entering.
When To Climb
The mountain lies in the rainshadow of the Olympics, meaning it stays dry much of the year, and the southern exposure of many walls helps to dry things quickly. Climbing can be good year-round.
Camping
I don't believe that you are permitted overnight stays.
Mountain Conditions
Weather for the city of Anacortes is weather for the mountain. Its dry and sunny often when Bellingham and Everett are wet.
Books
Rockin' On the Rock - Dallas Kloke 2005 is by far and away the best guide. It's even available at the Lake Erie Grocery. Smoot's Falcon Guide to climbing Washington has some routes, limited accuracy. Skagit Mountain Rescue also has a small paperback which shows some areas in limited detail/accuracy.
Images
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