In the last post about Washington we went to Eastern Washington, this week we are going to stay close to my current home town in Western Washington.  I live on Whidbey Island, which is in the Puget Sound, about 40min north of Seattle.  To do something quick for a morning hike or a short road trip we like to drive up the island to a small, short, mountain in Anacortes Washington, Mt. Erie.

Besides being only an hour away from the south end of Whidbey Island, the view when you get to the top will take your breath away.  On a clear day, you can see the San Juan Island and parts of Canada.  A short walk to the south side of the mountain you can see a large portion of Whidbey Island and Campbell Lake.  For this reason, it is usually a sunrise or morning hike to the top for us, but it would also be a great place to take sunset pictures as the sun dips below the islands.  Going early, you can beat the tourists as it is a small parking area.

The hike itself if you start at the bottom instead of driving to the top, which is an option is about five miles round trip.  It is a moderately easy hike that I have done once and driven up to the top several times for taking pictures.  Whether you want to hike or take pictures, this is a fantastic spot in the pacific northwest.

It is very close to the Deception Pass state park and the famous bridge if you are looking for things to do after your hike.

Future posts coming on Whidbey Island, what to do, see, and eat!

What are some of your favorite hikes?