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Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
48.6569, -122.8180 Map & Directions
Length
6.7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,500 feet
Highest Point
2,410 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate/Hard
Along with great views at the summit, hikers on the Mount Constitution trail get to experience the intimacy of a hike through the forest. Photo by Impromptu Disco. Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Summits
  • Lakes

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While it's possible to drive the the summit of Mount Constitution, you can also hike there. You'll begin and end at Mountain Lake and, along the way, you'll enjoy walking through forest as well as sweeping views of the San Juan Islands. Continue reading

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Hiking Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake

Begin this loop hike at Mountain Lake. Begin near the group camp and head up the trail toward Little Summit and Summit Lake. The trail doesn't waste much time, and you'll soon begin climbing. At the trail junction at just after a mile, you can continue forward or, if you'd like to add a short side trip, head up to Little Summit before coming back and resuming your trip. 

Continue up and soon begin to get some views. At the junction with a trail that comes from Cold Springs, continue straight. Pass by the outlet of Summit Lake and then continue along the ridge before reaching the top of Mount Constitution. You can also drive to this location, so you'll probably have company. Take your time taking in all the views and be sure to climb up the tower. When you're ready, continue your trip from the parking lot by finding the trail to Twin Lakes. 

Descend quickly. When you reach a junction on your left, you can take a detour to Twin Lakes or continue on the main trail. When you reach the north end of Mountain Lake, keep to your right and follow the trail back to where you started.  

WTA worked here in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2015 and 2014!

Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.6569, -122.8180 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Discover Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From the Orcas Island ferry terminal, head north on Orcas Road. After just over 8 miles, turn right on Main Street, which becomes Crescent Beach Drive. At a four-way intersection, turn right onto Olga Road. Follow this road and, after passing by the park entrance, veer left onto Mount Constitution Road. At the next Y in the road, keep right and drive to the trailhead. 

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Washington State Parks

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books)

Washington State Parks (Marge & Ted Mueller - Mountaineers Books)

Washington Hiking (Scott Leonard - Foghorn Outdoors)

Hiking Guide to Washington Geology (Carson & Babcock - Keokee) p. 86-88

USGS Mount Constitution

park map from entrance kiosk

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Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake

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