Mt. Erie: The Other Views

While the view from the top of the mountain is great, there are other views too. They can be accessed by short walks from a small parking lot on the west side of the road near the top. 

Preparing to Soar

The view from the top of Mt. Erie on Fidalgo Island from a recent visit.

Oak Harbor, Washington

The view on Christmas Day, 2019, with Mt. Erie in the background.

Mt. Erie

Low clouds nearly hide Mt. Erie in this fall view.

Mt. Erie View

Before you reach the parking lot at the top of Mt. Erie, there is a pull off area on the right with steps leading to an observation platform where you'll have views to the west. Across the road you'll find steps leading to a short stroll ending in another observation platform providing views more to the northwest and the San Juan Islands. This is the view from that latter observation area.

Sugar Loaf Trail, Fidalgo Island

Sugar Loaf, on Fidalgo Island, is right next to Mt. Erie but offers views to the northeast not visible from its taller companion.

I decided to hike the trail that starts on Mt. Erie Road, about 0.7 miles from where the road originates at Heart Lake Road. The trail is well marked and there is parking across the road.

This is a view to the southwest from near the top of Sugar Loaf.

There are also views to the south east and east, toward Skagit County.

The wild flowers were in bloom.
















The trail was about 0.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 320 feet. If you really want a workout, you can begin your hike at the parking lot where Mt. Erie Road originates. That hike is 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of over 800 feet. I preferred the shorter and easier hike and got the same views.

Don't forget your walking stick. While the path was not particularly steep, some of it is over rocks and a walking stick would provide extra stability. 

Mt. Erie Views

Views from a recent trip to the top of Mt. Erie on Fidalgo Island.  The haze was intense so the far off mountains were not visible.

Mt. Erie, Fidalgo Island

If you plan to visit the Whidbey Island or the Deception Pass area, don't miss the view from Mt. Erie.  It is only a few miles north of the Deception Pass Bridge and the short drive off the highway is worth it.  The road to the top is paved and well maintained.  The short strolls to the view areas are flat or with steps.

The vistas are to the south, shown here, and to the east.  Lakes, islands, and on a crystal clear day, even Mt. Rainier will be visible.

Mt. Erie View

This is a recent view from the top of Mt. Erie, on Fidalgo Island.  It is easy to drive to the top and enjoy the various views.  In the distance is Mt. Baker which has finally lost much of its winter snow.  In the foreground is March Point and a refinery.

Mt. Erie View

This is looking south from the top of Mt. Erie. In the foreground is Fidalgo Island, part of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. On the horizon is Mt. Rainier.