This is a lovely trail through a nice variety of ecosystems! The view from the tower absolutely stunning, and we also enjoyed swimming in the twin ponds after our decent. The forest between the twin ponds and the Mountain Lake is beautiful and old.

Really awesome hike, the trail starts at Mountain Lake and it's steep from the start, there is a water source at 1.0 miles in. At 1.2 miles in there is a little side trip to Little Summit, worth it. After the initial steep climb the next 2.2 miles to the Tower at Mt. Constitution is relatively flat but you still gain a bit. It's a nice hike because you get views from the trail head, during the trail, and the peak.

Road to trail head is paved all the way.

No snow whatsoever in any part of this hike.

Getting to Orcas island is expensive though. For 1 sedan, driver, passenger, and dog (dog was free) it was $72 which includes the fare back to Anacortes. I did not make reservations for the ferry so avoid that and make a reservation so that you don't get stressed over whether you will make ferry you want or not.

The parking lot is pretty large at the bottom. I didn't see it on a weekend day but during a spring weekday, there is plenty of space. Pit toilet open at Mountain Lake campground around the corner, the ones at the TH were still closed for winter.

Hike up to Little Summit is UP, the whole way. Listening to cars drive by on their way up to the 2nd gate (closed this day) made me question my choices. After the junction with Little Summit, the trail is prettier and the grade more gentle. There is some snow after this point but it was the very last remnants and easy to walk over.

The weather can change fast out here with the marine air. I was in a shirt and fleece and still a bit hot but ended up in a puffy and gloves as it was hailing at the top. Bring layers! Wind + sweat = COLD. 

Almost no views from the top due to weather rolling in. Heated bathrooms open even if gate to top is closed.

The trail down is on the far side of the parking lot. Its a bit steep at first, and some of the rocks are slippery when its wet. Warmed up considerably after Twin Lakes trail. The walk around the lake back to the campground is pleasant. 

The road to Mount Constitution is gated before little mountain trail so we hiked little mountain and Mount Constitution starting on the road. Normally the kids would be up for the longer loop but ill children, 20 degree weather with cold gusts and snow led us to shorten the trip. My daughter carried in the pack complained of feeling cold so this ended up being a split hike with my wife and daughter returning to the car and my son pushing for the CCC tower. The trail had abundant surface hoar and occasional slick icy spots bordering the steep drop offs definitely a spot for careful footwork, poles and handholding. It ended up being a great hike through different forest ecosystems with lodgepole pine, hemlock and Doug fir, and shore pine and krummholz battered by the wind. My son felt very accomplished to finish the trail and climb the “castle.” The trail could easily be done as part of a day exploring Moran and Orcas but in the weather conditions we settled for a short day.

i didn't get to Mount Constitution Tower. Below is just some informaton .. to be prepared for the unexpected .. especially, during "Shoulder" season .. Winter/Spring

Back-story for the " .. CLOSED" Mount Constitution Road..

SAT 11Feb2023 ~09:35, i called and spoke with a Moran State Park Ranger, to check on the conditions of the roads, and Trails. And i also mentioned that i am looking at going over "next week". The Ranger said that all's good "today" (i.e. on SAT 11Feb2023). As for the next few days, his advise was to be prepared for any sudden changes, e.g. the weather, freezing temperature, etc.

MON 13Feb2023 afternoon, i arrived Moran S.P., dd a hike to Mount Pickett, and car-camped at Mountain Lake campground for the night.

TUE 14Feb2023 early morning, ~08:00 when i was "breaking-camp", a Ranger came driving in to the campground. The Ranger stopped by me, and he kindly told me that because of the freezing temperature and icy condition on Mount Constitution Road, up/from Elevation ~1000 ft, the Park had CLOSED the Mount Constitution Road. Also, he mentioned that the Park would re-evaluate on the "Conditions" at ~12:00.

i thanked the Ranger for the information. Later, i went and did my "alternate" hikes/walks … Plan_B, Plan_C, and Plan_D .. avoiding the Trails up at Mount Constitution Tower 😊

Happy Trails Everyone. And Be Safe 😇