Heart Lake
A tranquil Anacortes gem offering serene lake views and well-maintained hiking trails through evergreen forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect hiking temperatures
Heart Lake
Best Time
Perfect hiking temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Anacortes gem offering serene lake views and well-maintained hiking trails through evergreen forests.
"Beautiful lake, many trails to explore, loved the various mushrooms."
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but extensive; good footwear is key for enjoying the hikes.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
The lake is perfect for launching small boats and enjoying time on the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Trails
Surrounding Heart Lake
Explore well-maintained paths winding through evergreen trees, offering beautiful lake views and chances to spot wildlife.
Tranquil Lakeside Ambiance
Heart Lake Shoreline
Enjoy the peaceful waters and natural surroundings, perfect for quiet contemplation or launching small watercraft.
Abundant Wildlife & Flora
Heart Lake Area
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and interesting flora, including various mushrooms, during your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Peaceful Lakeside Retreat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting end of March
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but extensive; good footwear is key for enjoying the hikes.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
The lake is perfect for launching small boats and enjoying time on the water.
August Birthday trip. Would love some recommendations
Tips for San Juan Islands Trip
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no facilities, so pack essentials like water and snacks.
🍄 Look for Mushrooms
The area is known for its diverse fungi, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-maintained but extensive; good footwear is key for enjoying the hikes.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
The lake is perfect for launching small boats and enjoying time on the water.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no facilities, so pack essentials like water and snacks.
🍄 Look for Mushrooms
The area is known for its diverse fungi, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Heart Lake for its serene natural beauty and well-maintained hiking trails, making it a perfect spot for peaceful reflection and outdoor activities. While the lack of facilities is noted, the tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for fishing and boating are significant draws for those seeking a quiet escape.
"One of my favorite spots in Anacortes. There’s no facilities or tables but you can launch small boats and just walk along the lake shore or just sit in your car and enjoy the peace."
David Lee
"The trails surrounding this lake were recommended to us and we were not disappointed. My daughter ran gleefully up and down the pathway thru large evergreen trees. We experienced wildlife and perfect hiking temperatures this day. Worth a visit and a quick hike. FOLLOW ME for more thoughtful recommendations as I travel the world 🌎"
Vincent Randy Heslop
"Great place to spend time with friends and family, or for some time alone to rejuvenate. Lately we've been taking to the lake in our kayaks, but we have spent many hours hiking around the lake on the well maintained trails too."
Bryan Klein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heart Lake is located at the bottom of Mt. Erie. While specific public transport options are limited, it's easily accessible by car. Many visitors arrive as part of a road trip, like those exploring the Cascade Loop.
Yes, Heart Lake is a popular spot in the Anacortes area, often mentioned as one of its favorite natural attractions.
Trailheads are accessible from various points around the lake, allowing for different hiking routes and lengths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Heart Lake. It's a public access area for enjoying nature.
Heart Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours. As a natural area, there are no set operating hours, but it's best enjoyed when there's natural light.
Parking is typically free at Heart Lake, though specific areas might have limited capacity. Arriving earlier can secure a good spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on the surrounding trails, kayaking or launching small boats on the lake, fishing, and simply relaxing in nature.
Heart Lake is a natural area with no formal facilities such as restrooms or picnic tables. Visitors are advised to come prepared.
Yes, Heart Lake is known for fishing, with potential catches including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish.
While swimming is not explicitly prohibited, it's not a designated swimming area, and visitors typically focus on boating and hiking.
The natural environment around Heart Lake makes it a good spot for birdwatching, with various bird species likely present.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails offer scenic viewpoints of the lake and surrounding evergreen forests. The shoreline provides opportunities for capturing reflections and natural landscapes.
Heart Lake is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, and wildlife photography. The changing seasons offer diverse photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along kayaks or small boats for a fun afternoon on the lake. The peaceful environment makes it a safe and enjoyable place for children to experience the outdoors. The variety of plant life, like mushrooms, can also be a fascinating discovery for younger visitors.
🎣 Anglers' Paradise
While there are no dedicated fishing piers, you can fish from the shore or launch small boats and kayaks to access different parts of the lake. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Heart Lake Trails
These trails provide opportunities to experience local wildlife and enjoy perfect hiking temperatures, especially during the spring and fall. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more extended hike, the paths around Heart Lake offer a rewarding connection with nature. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water to make the most of your exploration.
A Serene Lakeside Experience
Many find Heart Lake to be an ideal spot for personal rejuvenation and quiet reflection. The opportunity to enjoy time alone or with friends and family in such a serene setting is a key reason people return. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species reported.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit