Let's Climb at Mount Erie- Moderate/Beginner Level Rock Climbing

Plan:
Let's head over to Mount Erie in Anacortes and explore beginner level climbing skills, including:

• Top Rope
• Rappelling
• Anchors
• Safety
• Sport climbing
• Some mixed climbing (trad and sport)
• Lead climbing on easy lower grade routes

You can join the waitlist and answer the questions to be confirmed.

About the area:
The area features some 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as exceptional views of the Olympics and Puget Sound. Though it is a mountain there are no real large expanses of rock, but instead short cliffs & crags hidden in the steep madrona, fir & hemlock forests on the flanks of the mountain. With over 400 routes, good weather and great views, Mt. Erie is a popular climbing destination.

Mount Erie rises about 1273 feet above sea level, and it is the highest point on Fidalgo Island. The native tribal name is Tulsegh.

Climbers are attracted to mount Erie for its easy access, moderate class 5 routes, and the year-round climbing due to relatively good weather and dry conditions. Most of the cliffs face south or southwest thus receiving plenty of sunshine with stunning view of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The rock is generally solid and provides firm foot/hand holds with good friction. Face and slab are the main type of climbing on Mount Erie.

The rock on Erie varies in in quality and characteristics. On some cliffs the rock is very rough, which is excellent for friction climbing. Other areas, the rock is very smooth.

The routes on Mount Erie range from low level 5.4 to advanced 5.12+
Solid foothold, handhold, and rock consistency with options for easy grade walls and short top roping and climbing.

Most of the description above is from the "Rockin in the Rock" book by Danny Dallas Kolke.

More information from Mountain Project:
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106413714/mount-erie

Team Gear:
Rock climbing rope (60-70m ropes)
Quick draw set
Top Rope Anchor Material (cordalette/quad length sling and 4 locking carabiners)

Personal Gear:
Harness
Helmet
Carabiners
Belay Device that you are comfortable using
Gloves
Climbing shoes

Clothing and Food/water:

• Comfortable climbing pants
• Comfortable shoes while waiting
• Layers in case of wind or any passing showers
• Sun block
• Food, snacks and water for the day

About the area:
Mt Erie is located within the Olympic rain shadow and enjoys mild weather year-round. In Anacortes 60% of the days are either sunny or partly cloudy. The weather this Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s and wind under 10mph.

Carpooling:
Will be coordinated at the park and ride before we leave to the trailhead. 2-4 persons per vehicle. Passengers should bring cash or Zelle for carpooling cost.

Or you can meet us at the top of Mt Erie if you are coming from a different area or prefer to drive separately.

Getting There:
Exit I-5 North at Burlington and take SR 20 west for about 15 minutes. Make a left at the roundabout (still on SR 20) and head towards Deception Pass. In a few miles, reach a fork and trend to the right on Campbell Lake Rd. Mount Erie will be visible on the right. In a few more miles you will arrive at the Mount Erie Grocery store. Go right from there on Heart Lake Rd. In one more mile, the state Rd to the top of Mount Erie will branch off to the right. Several miles up the winding road, leads to the summit parking areas. We can park in any available spots just before the end of the road.

Permit/Pass:
Discover Pass required for each vehicle.