Sugarloaf makes hike to Mount Erie in Anacortes even sweeter (photos)

You could drive all the way to the modest summit of Mount Erie, but its grand views are presumably even more satisfying after a couple hours of hiking.

Plus you’d miss out on a visit to the delectable Sugarloaf, assuming you’d hike in that way.

Both summits are found in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, which lie in the city of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island in Washington, and are featured in Day Hiking: The San Juans and Gulf Islands by Craig Romano (who describes the delicious Oyster Dome in another guidebook). This area somewhat resembles Crumpit Woods in Squamish, with its labyrinth of multi-use trails.

From the trailhead at Heart Lake Road and Mount Erie Road, we put together an enjoyable circuit by following an assortment of numbered trails to the Sugarloaf, Mount Erie, and Little Round Top.

The views from Mount Erie included Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Skagit Bay, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Sightings of hawks and rock climbers added to the scenery.

It took 30 minutes to reach the Sugarloaf, two hours for Mount Erie, and 4.5 hours for Little Round Top. Our almost 10-kilometre round trip lasted 5.5 hours, including lengthy rests to savour the views.