It is a little expensive to get to Moran State Park and the Mount Constitution trail, but just the trip there is worht the cost of admission. Add in the joy of the hike and it s all worth it. I woke up fairly early in order to make it to Anacortes in time to catch the 7:30am ferry. The sun just started to peek over the horizon as the ferry set sail, so I was treated to the breaking morn on the trip to Orcas Island. Unlike in the summer, the ferry was almost deserted. Winter is THE season to visit the islands! Upon landing on Orcas, I drove 'round the island to Moran State Park and the Mountain Lake Landing. I hiked from there to Twin lakes, and then on to the summit of Mt. Constitution. Just like the ferry, the trail was empty...try experiencing that during the summer! The summit was a stark contrast to the sunny world back at the trailhead. Mt. Constitution is one of those places that combines geography and topography into a "creates-it's-own-weather machine." So. it was really windy, foggy, and cold up top. There was even a tiny, tiny trace of snow on ground here and there. I climbed to the top of the tower and was able to catch a couple of glances of the islands and Mt. Baker as teh clouds rolleed through. Then it was down to Little Summit (where the sun finally reasserted itself) and thence back to the car. After a brief wait for the ferry, I sailed home as the sun set in the West....a nice bookend to a great day. This was hike 22 of my 30/300/30000 @ 30 challenge. 1. Deception Pass 2. Wallace Falls 3. Spencer Island 4. E. Fork Foss River 5. Lake Serene 6. Wallace Falls 7. Goat Lake (N. Cascades) 8. Boulder River 9. Third Beach to Toleak Point (Overnight) 10. Big Quilcene/Marmot Pass (Overnight) 11. Lake 22 12. N. Fork Skokomish (Overnight) 13. Welcome Pass/High Divide 14. Golden Lakes/Sunset Park (Overnight) 15. Glacier Basin 16. Sunrise Area Trails 17. Park Butte 18. Mt. Pilchuck 19. Barclay Lake 20. Cutthroat Pass 21. West Fork Foss River 22. Mt. Constitution 22 Hikes, 193.3 Miles, 42200' Elevation Gain.

After yesterday’s shorter walks on Sucia Island and out to Obstruction Pass, I thought that today I would try a longer hike in Moran State Park. Designated as “The Scenic Circuit” in Marge & Ted Mueller’s “Afoot & Afloat: The San Juan Islands,” this wonderful 12+ mile loop links four mountain lakes with nicely shaded ravines and the sweeping vistas from Mt. Constitution. I started at Cascade Lake (elev. 350’) by the Moran Creek sign in the “Day Use Area” and followed the Mueller’s suggestion to proceed counterclockwise. (I think on a hot summer day however, I might be tempted to go in a clockwise direction and begin with the 2,000’ climb from Cascade Lake to the summit in the cool of the morning.) The trails are in excellent shape with lots of helpful signage. The first mile and a half follows the shoreline of Cascade Lake. The next two miles work gently up 600’ in cool ravines along a series of small cascades. Then the moss lined, well shaded trail romps along the eastern shore of Mountain Lake for two miles, followed by a short mile and a 200’ gain up to the Twin Lakes. From here, the nicely shaded trail climbs 1,300’ in under two miles to the summit of Mt. Constitution (elev. 2,400’). Descending from the summit, the trail drops just 300’ in the next two miles, offering fine views south of Mountain Lake, then passing by Summit Lake and Cold Springs, and contouring along Hidden Ridge. This marshy area was the only time I encountered mosquitos, which were not too bad if I kept moving. The final two miles drop 1,800’ in partial shade down to the Cascade Lake swimming beach. Suggestions: Pick up the Moran State Park Brochure & Map at Cascade Lake or print out the online version below. Bring a map of the San Juan Islands to better orient yourself from the top of Mt. Constitution. On a hot day, consider going in a clockwise direction and climb the 2,000’ from Cascade Lake to the summit in the cool of the morning. Watch out for nettles; bring water and a swimsuit. For more photos: http://seattlewalks.blogspot.com/2011/08/moran-state-park-scenic-circuit-orcas.html “Before you go” Link to Friends of Moran State Park: http://friendsofmoran.com/maps-2 Link to Washington State Park Map for Moran State Park: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/thumbnailAndmaps/5450042.pdf Link to Washington State Park Brochure for Moran State Park: http://www.parks.wa.gov/publications/parks/Moran%20State%20Park%20Brochure.pdf .

Lovely hike. Easy-going for the first 2 miles then a steep challenging climb for the last mile. Well worth the climb. On a friday afternoon, there were few hikers so plenty of opportunity for solitude. Trail in good condition with a few areas of down trees though but able to navigate.

I was the "trail boss" for a group of young women at Moran State Park on beautiful Orcas Island from July 18 to July 20. I hiked most of the gals to Mt. Constitution. We stopped to enjoy the salamanders and freshwater eels at Summit Lake. There are impressive Foxglove meadows and curious deer in abundance. I also hiked to Cascade Falls, Sunrise Rock, and Mountain and Twin Lakes while on the island. All trails are well maintained.