Top 15 Lakes around Anacortes

For swimming, Lake Campbell is highly recommended, especially during summer, due to its warmer temperatures. Cranberry Lake also offers enticing swimming holes along its trails, and Whistle Lake is a popular spot for swimming and non-motorized boating.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Cranberry Lake features easy trails and swimming spots. Heart Lake offers well-maintained trails under 3 miles, winding through forests, making it ideal for easygoing nature walks. The Tommy Thompson Trestle is also a car-free route with water views, suitable for families to cycle or walk.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Heart Lake, visitors often spot beavers, eagles, and deer. The March Point Heronry, near the lakes, is home to one of the West's largest Great Blue Heron colonies, with hundreds of nests. Along the Tommy Thompson Trestle, you might see marine life like sea lions.

Both Heart Lake and Lake Campbell are excellent for fishing. Heart Lake is stocked with Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, Yellow perch, brown bullhead catfish, and crappie. Lake Campbell, open year-round, offers largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead catfish, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout.

Yes, the Anacortes Community Forest Lands offer extensive trail systems. Cranberry Lake has an easy trail with multiple swimming holes. Whistle Lake features a popular 3.7-mile loop trail, considered easy to moderate. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes around Anacortes, including trails around Mount Erie and Whistle Lake.

Absolutely. The Anacortes Community Forest Lands provide diverse terrain for mountain biking. You can find routes like the 'Cranberry Lake to Heart Lake loop' or 'Jasper Way to Whistle Lake loop'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the MTB Trails around Anacortes guide.

For breathtaking views, head to the top of Mount Erie, which offers an expansive View of Mount Erie and Lake Campbell. From here, you can see Lake Campbell and, on clear days, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. Cranberry Lake also provides picturesque views, including mossy rock walls, along its trails.

Whistle Lake, despite its popularity, offers a sense of peace and solitude, making visitors feel deep within the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Its access requires a 1.3-mile hike or bike ride, which helps maintain its tranquil atmosphere.

Optimal visits for many lakes, such as Cranberry Lake, span from March through October. This period generally offers pleasant weather for hiking, swimming, and enjoying outdoor activities. Summer is particularly good for swimming in warmer lakes like Lake Campbell.

Yes, many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, leashed canine companions are welcomed at Cranberry Lake. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow local regulations.

Yes, kayaking and non-motorized boating are popular activities. Cranberry Lake and Heart Lake are ideal for kayaking, with Heart Lake offering a convenient boat launch. Whistle Lake is also popular for non-motorized boating like inflatable rafts and paddleboards.

Heart Lake is easily accessible via Heart Lake Road, making it convenient for visitors. While Whistle Lake requires a 1.3-mile hike or bike ride from the trailhead, Lake Campbell is also easily accessible as Highway 20 spans part of its shoreline. The Tommy Thompson Trestle is a car-free route, offering accessible cycling and walking.