Review Date
July 17, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: farfromovin ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
These trails are excellent if you like technical singletrack with great scenery. First off, there are 3 different "sections" in Anacortes and they are all around different lakes: Cranberry, Heart, and Whistle. I rate them in aerobic difficulty in that order as well. If you park on Heart Lk road (H st) between the Mt. Erie viewing area and Heart lake itself and take off east up the mountain there are some serious climbs there. If you happen to be an Ironman and can make it up the steep terrain, I hope you brought your bag of trials tricks with you because you'll need it to get up and over some of the rock sections LOL. What's great about this area is there are all different sorts of rides from mild to wild.

Recommended Route:
I like to ride the Whistle lake map the most out of the three locations. I ride up the killer hills like 215, 203, and 300, ride around the lake and back down one of those three trails to end up near the road. Then I usually cruise around across the street at Heart Lake and make a loop around that via 210 IIRC. It's a good run and about 8-12 miles depending on how many side trails you take. Great workout and a bunch of fun.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ft. Ebey trails (some call it Kettles). People say those are too easy and have no challenges. However, I've finally ridden every marked trail down there and a few unmarked trails and must say they are NOT all easy. If you live in Oak Harbor (navy guys like myself), I recommend alternating rides at Ft. Ebey and Anacortes (ACFL).

Review Date
April 24, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: tekkamaki ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
If you are looking for wide open fast singletrack this in not the place. Most of these trails are turny technical trails and can be really fun to ride, just not fast as trails in other areas.

Recommended Route:
The trails near Little Cranberry are nice, nice climbs near sugarloaf.

Review Date
June 23, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: SigH ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Awesome trails! Great trail condition and obviously well taken care of. I have a map that I purchased at Skagit Cyclery (on Commercial Ave, about $10). The map helped a lot because there are virtually endless trails and routes that you can take. You can ride for as long or as short as you wish just by taking a turn at one of the many intersections. I highly recommend this area, for both seasoned riders and beginners. Just watch out, some of the trails are pretty steep and technical, almost like a trials ride. If you aren't comfortable with that sort of riding, pick your course along the lakeside and flatter runs (or be ready to hike-a-bike for a few feet). Things were pretty dry when I went, so I didn't have a problem with things being slick. Lots of roots and rocks. All the trails are very well marked at each intersection, making it hard to get lost (if you have the map). I can't wait to go back again!

Recommended Route:
I rode for quite a while and I don't think there is a bad trail in the whole park. I recommend all of them!

Review Date
May 31, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: DMC ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
We hit this trail religously at least twice a week, usually at night. Definitely spoiled having this kind of epic ride in the back yard. If you do not like muddy, slick, rooty single track with lots of rocks this may not be your cup of tea. My wife has gutted it out here but did a lot of pushing the bike up the steeper stuff.
Yes, you will want a map if you don't have extra time to find where you started from. You can get a map from Justin at the bike shop on Commercial and 17th.(10.00) Great trails and a great town. If you get thirsty drop by the Rockfish Grill for their IPA draft beer, you won't be dissapionted!

Recommended Route:
Make your own loop and explore the beauty of Anacortes.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
FT Ebey South Whidbey

Review Date
April 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: heiferhopper ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Not a review, but just some information. If you want a map of the area, try going to the chamber of commerce and asking them. They should have some maps. If you can't find it there, show up at any of the trailheads there and latch onto someone. Hopefully that helps. If you can't find anyone to ride with or you can't find a map, show up at the trailhead, start riding, and get lost. You will eventually end back up at where you started. It's really not that convoluted in there. Use a compass or a GPS if you have too.

Recommended Route:
Heart Lake parking area, cross the street, look for a trail that'll take you to an open area with a trail off to your slight right (about 1 o'clock, or so). Follow this up and when you get to the end, go right. At the next intersection, go right again and stay on this trail. If the trail starts going vertical and you find that you can't seem to ride it, keep going up. When you get to the end of this trail, get off your bike, start walking to the left (no mtn bike area). Get to the clearing and check out the views. It is best in the early morning or late afternoons. When you are done, turn around and head back the way you came, except that you must head towards Whistle lake. Please, DO NOT TAKE ANY TRAIL IN THE AREA THAT IS MARKED "NO MTN BIKE"

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Just about all of them