Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake — Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Mount Constitution Loop, Orcas Island About 30 minutes drive from Orcas Island ferry, you’ll enter the pristine Moran State Park, a wonderful legacy dating from 1920s’ from the former mayor of Seattle Mr Robert Moran and his wife Millie. Pick up a trail map at the Info Booth near Cascade Lake day-use area and head for the Mount Constitution Loop TH at Mountain Lake. We decided to hike anti-clockwise, beginning with an amble along the Mountain Lake shoreline to Twin Lakes, noting blue heron in residence. We made our way up the moderate slope and a few switchbacks to the top, where we were rewarded by spectacular, panoramic views as far as the eye could see; Gulf Islands, BC, Mount Baker to name a few. The mostly wide hiking trails are open for mountain bikes this time of year; we encountered a small hardy group with their dog enjoying the challenge. After lunch we made our way down past Summit Lake and saw more blue heron. This is also a good trail for spotting deer. The final portion of the trail down to the TH is fairly steep, a little rocky and narrow. I’d rate this hike to be a 10 for views, try not to miss. One is also able to drive on a paved road to the top ... but hey, hiking is what we do! The map shows 15 trails for a total of 38 miles, a mix of easy to challenging, and has clearly posted and helpful junction signs. Camping, leashed fido, kayaking, fishing and horse trails are also possible. The guide map calls this park ‘a treasure in the San Juans’, indeed it is; let’s enjoy and keep it this way. Loop stats; about 7 miles RT with 1500 ft gain.