We started this hike from the trailhead at Mountain Lake. Flush toilets and a picnic shelter available. Follow the signs and begin your ascent.

We did an out and back hike following the Little Summit trail from Mountain Lake. The trail climbs steeply for the first mile and then mellows out after the junction with Little Summit. Head right at the junction and continue for two more miles to the top of Mount Constitution. This trail is well signed and in great condition. The moss is plentiful!

The views never disappoint! It was a cloudy day so no mountains visible, but we could still see across the water for several miles. The lookout tower was open, but the gift shop at the top was closed and is currently open Fri-Sun. Restrooms available at the top as well.

We only saw six other hikers on the trail, and only a handful of people at the lookout who had driven to the top. 

Starting out at Mountain Lake parking lot, I headed out on the loop trail in the direction of Little Summit. My route was Little Summit >Mt. Constitution and the tower ( definitely worth going up into the tower!)>then towards Twin Lakes, ultimately joining the Mountain Lake loop trail ( another loop hike) to finish. It's only 7 miles, but it's a good workout both up and down Constitution, with spectacular views across the San Juans and into Canada, plus through some lovely foxglove groves ( at their height right now) and past Twin Lakes on the way back. Moran has many grand old cedars and Doug firs. Toilets at the top of Constitution and also near the boat launch at Mountain Lake. Discover Pass needed, ten bucks for a day if you don't already have one. Parking easy and today no problem! Saw no one until I got to top of Constitution. Flowers included Nootka rose and foxglove, among other forest wildflowers.

Happy hiking, All!

Lovely hike with a sneaky climb from the Lake to Mount Constitution. Dog friendly, too!

Gorgeous sunny Sunday June 1 day. Per GAIA, 7.8 miles for the loop hike (including the .4 miles to see the Little Summit): Mountain Lake to Little Summit to Mt. Constitution to Twin Lakes to Mountain Lake. I saw only several people on the way up, and nobody on segment Constitution to Mountain Lake on the return. (Perhaps the Orcasfest music festival reduced the hiking crowd?)  Started at 1pm, returned 5:45, dallied an hour at the view points. At the top, there are restrooms and a visitor center. Not food. 

The trail quality is marvelous, mudless on this lovely day. Great signage for trails. There's some respectable steepness in the first mile, before you hit the spur option to Little Summit, after which I didn't notice the up. I found the spur trip to Little Summit well worth the effort. The best part (views from Little Summit and the Mt. Constitution tower) you can drive to if you like. But, it was pleasant and peaceful in the forest, with looks to Cold Spring, Twin Lakes and Mountain Lake.  And those views -- wow! even with distant clouds obscuring Baker and Vancouver. So many islands. At the top of the Mt. Constitution tower, there are several signs on which the artist renderings of islands are stunningly good for accurate identification of the many islands. 

We loved this hike. We started at the tower and hiked down before coming back up. There are plenty of spots with gorgeous views and a few dogs sprinkled in. There are some parts that were a little typical but it was still quite nice. 

Stats:

Total Mileage: About 7

Dogs: 4

Snacks: Sadly, none.