Orcas Island, Mount Constitution Hike

At 2,409 feet, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. A hike to the top is a workout, but it can be done in a few hours. On a clear day this is surely time well spent, as the expansive views from the summit look out over the Rosario Straight, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the 5,252-acre Moran State Park.

While there are more than 30 miles of hiking trails in Moran State Park, this hike starts near the picnic shelter at Mountain Lake. You’ll begin with a short-but-quick elevation gain on a trail that passes through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock. As you climb you will reach the fork for Little Summit Trail. From here you can cut left for one third of a mile to see the exceptional view from Little Summit, or cut right and hike another 1.9 miles for the observation tower on the true summit.  From the summit you can do a there-and-back route, or for a loop, take the trail to Twin Lakes on the way to the Mountain Lake picnic shelter.

Summer hours for the park are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and winter hours run from 8 a.m. to dusk. Be sure to pick up your day-use pass at the entrance to Moran State Park if you do not have a Washington Discovery Pass.