Mount Erie was named in 1841 by the Wilkes Expedition for the Battle of Lake Erie. The mountain itself was first explored in the 1960s by local climbers, including Dallas Kloke. It is known for its climbing as well as the view from the summit. The summit is accessible via a single-lane, paved road from the base. At tall, Mount Erie is the highest point on Fidalgo Island. On a clear day, Mount Baker, about to the northeast, and Mount Rainier, about to the southeast, can be seen from the summit.