What gear do I need to bring?

For roped climbing, a standard sport rack (quickdraws) covers most routes at Mt. Erie, though some lines at North Slab and other trad-style areas may call for a light rack of cams and nuts. Bouldering requires a crash pad, and the approach terrain is generally short enough that hauling one in is manageable. Climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and a guidebook or downloaded topo are worth having regardless of what you plan to climb.

How difficult are the routes? Is this a good area for beginners?

The 320 listings span a genuine range of difficulty. Slab areas and introductory bouldering problems make Fidalgo Island accessible to newer climbers, while routes like Intimidator, Gladiator, and Russian Roulette are squarely in intermediate-to-advanced territory. Beginners will find enough to work on, but the area rewards climbers who already have basic movement skills and aren't relying on in-person instruction at the crag.

Is there a fee or permit required to climb at Mt. Erie?

Mt. Erie is managed as part of Anacortes Community Forest Lands, which is a city-managed open space. As of current information there is no climbing-specific permit or fee, but land-use policies can change. Check with the City of Anacortes Parks Department before your trip, especially if you're planning a group visit or an event, to confirm current access rules.

Washington · Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing in Anacortes, Washington

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Rock Climbing · 100 spots

Anacortes sits at the edge of Puget Sound, but the rock climbing here is defined by what's inland: Mt. Erie and Fidalgo Island, where 320 listed routes and problems range from mellow slabs to routes that will test experienced leaders. The main hub is Mt. Erie, a dome of solid basalt that delivers sport and trad climbing on featured faces alongside a bouldering scene spread across the island. The North Slab area and the broader Mt. Erie and Fidalgo Island climbing zone cover a wide mix of styles — you'll find slab technique routes like Philistine Slab and Leftover Stem sitting near more demanding leads like Intimidator, Gladiator, and Russian Roulette. Bouldering problems like A Stone's Throw Away, Single Combat, and Right Wing give climbers a reason to visit even on shorter days. The rock dries quickly after rain compared to many Pacific Northwest crags, which makes Fidalgo Island a go-to destination when the Cascades are still wet. With routes named Bomb Blast Lightning Waltz, Freedom Fighter, and On Eagles' Wings in the mix, the character here runs from playful to committing — and the 320 listings mean you won't run out of new problems to work regardless of how many times you've visited.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to climb at Mt. Erie and Fidalgo Island?

Late spring through early fall (May through October) offers the most reliable dry conditions. The basalt at Mt. Erie sheds rain faster than granite or sandstone, so shoulder-season days in April and November are often climbable if you check the forecast and arrive mid-morning after any overnight moisture has dried. Summer mornings before the afternoon heat are ideal on south-facing slabs.

Is there bouldering here, or is it mostly roped climbing?

Both are well represented. The listings include dedicated bouldering problems across Fidalgo Island — A Stone's Throw Away, Philistine Slab, Single Combat, Right Wing, Kalebs Ladder, and Leftover Stem among them — alongside a large selection of roped routes at areas like North Slab. You can put together a full bouldering day without touching a rope.