Moran State Park
Moran State Park: The Crown Jewel of the San Juan Islands
On the wild, wooded heart of Orcas Island — the largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands — Moran State Park encompasses 5,252 acres of old-growth forest, cascading waterfalls, five freshwater lakes, and the highest peak in the San Juan archipelago: Mount Constitution, rising 2,409 feet above the island-studded waters of the Salish Sea.
At the summit stands a 53-foot stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, modeled after medieval watchtowers. From its top, the 360-degree panorama is staggering: the scattered jewels of the San Juan Islands below, the snowcapped Cascade peaks (Baker, Rainier, the Olympics) on the horizon, and on the clearest days, the skylines of Vancouver and Seattle.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Orcas Island, San Juan County, Washington |
| 📐 Park Size | 5,252 acres |
| ⛰️ Mount Constitution | 2,409 ft (highest point in the San Juan Islands) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 30+ miles |
| 🏕️ Campsites | 151 sites across multiple campgrounds |
| 🕐 Hours | 8:00 AM – Dusk (year-round) |
| 💰 Entry Fee | Discover Pass ($10/day or $45/year) |
| 📞 Phone | (360) 376-2326 |
| 🌐 Website | parks.wa.gov |
| ⭐ Highlights | Mt. Constitution tower, mountain lakes, island hiking |
Mount Constitution & the Observation Tower
The CCC-built stone observation tower at the summit of Mount Constitution is the centerpiece of Moran State Park. Constructed between 1935 and 1936 from local sandstone, the 53-foot tower was modeled after 12th-century Caucasian watchtowers. Climb the spiral staircase to the top for views that span:
- Below: The entire San Juan Islands archipelago — over 400 islands
- East: Mount Baker (10,781 ft), the North Cascades
- South: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) on clear days
- West: The Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- North: Gulf Islands (Canada), Vancouver Island, British Columbia
You can reach the summit by driving, hiking, or cycling. The drive takes about 15 minutes from the park entrance on a winding mountain road.
Top Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Constitution via Mountain Lake | 7 mi round trip | Strenuous | Classic summit hike, old-growth forest |
| Cascade Falls Trail | 0.5 mi one-way | Easy | Stunning waterfall in old-growth setting |
| Mountain Lake Loop | 4 mi loop | Moderate | Circles the largest lake, swimming spots |
| Twin Lakes Trail | 5 mi round trip | Moderate | Remote alpine-style lakes, solitude |
| Cold Springs to Mt. Constitution | 3.5 mi one-way | Moderate | Gradual northern approach to summit |
| Around the Mountain Trail | 6 mi loop | Moderate | Forest loop with multiple lake views |
Five Freshwater Lakes
Moran State Park contains five freshwater lakes — a rarity on the San Juan Islands:
| Lake | Size | Activities | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lake | Largest in park | Swimming, fishing, boating | Boat launch, forested shoreline |
| Cascade Lake | Second largest | Swimming, fishing, boating | Day-use area, dock, picnic |
| Twin Lakes (2) | Small alpine | Swimming, quiet reflection | Remote, backcountry access only |
| Summit Lake | Small | Scenic viewing | Near Mt. Constitution road |
Camping
| Option | Sites | Cost/Night | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites | ~130 | $23-$43 | Forested, near lakes, picnic table, fire ring |
| Partial Utility Sites | ~15 | $35-$51 | Water/electric hookups |
| Primitive Sites | ~6 | $12 | Walk-in, minimal amenities |
| Hot Showers | 10 coin-op | Included | Available at main campgrounds |
Getting to Orcas Island
Orcas Island is only accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. This remoteness is part of its magic.
| Transport | From | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State Ferry | Anacortes, WA | ~1 hour | Vehicles & walk-ons; reserve in advance |
| Kenmore Air Seaplane | Seattle (Lake Union) | ~45 min | Scenic flight, lands on the water |
| San Juan Airlines | Bellingham | ~20 min | Small planes to Orcas Island Airport |
History
Moran State Park was donated to Washington State in 1921 by Robert Moran, a former mayor of Seattle who made his fortune during the Klondike Gold Rush. After being told he had only a year to live, Moran retired to Orcas Island, built the magnificent Rosario Resort (now a resort hotel), and ultimately donated 2,700 acres of his estate to create the park. He lived another 35 years — apparently, island life agreed with him.
During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the stone observation tower, roads, trails, kitchen shelters, and campground facilities that still define the park today. The tower remains one of the finest examples of CCC craftsmanship in the Pacific Northwest.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, waterfalls, migrating birds | Fewer visitors, some trails may be muddy |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Lake swimming, summit hikes, long days | Peak season, reserve ferry + campsite early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall colors, salmon runs, eagle watching | Quieter, excellent hiking weather |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Storm watching, bald eagles, solitude | Mt. Constitution road may close in ice/snow |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Pass (Day) | $10 | Required for parking |
| Discover Pass (Annual) | $45 | All WA state parks |
| Ferry (Vehicle + Driver) | ~$50-60 | Anacortes to Orcas, one-way |
| Ferry (Walk-on) | $14.50 | One-way, no reservation needed |
| Standard Campsite | $23-$43 | Season dependent |
| Watercraft Launch | $7/day | Plus Discover Pass |
Nearby Attractions
- Rosario Resort — Robert Moran’s historic estate, now a hotel with museum (adjacent)
- Whale Watching — Orca pods in Haro Strait, tours from Orcas Island
- Eastsound Village — Galleries, restaurants, shops (5 miles from park)
- Obstruction Pass State Park — Secluded beach, kayak launch (south Orcas Island)
- San Juan Island — Historic English/American camps, Friday Harbor (ferry hop)
Safety and Tips
- Ferry planning: Reserve vehicle ferry spots weeks (summer) or days (off-season) in advance
- No gas station at park: Fill up in Eastsound before heading to the park
- Mt. Constitution road: Narrow, winding switchbacks. Drive carefully, watch for cyclists
- Water safety: Mountain Lake and Cascade Lake are cold year-round. No lifeguards
- Cell service: Spotty throughout the park. Best at summit. Download offline maps
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Moran State Park?
Moran State Park is on Orcas Island, accessible only by water or air. The most common route is the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes (about 1 hour). Vehicle reservations fill weeks in advance in summer, so book early at wsdot.wa.gov. Walk-on passengers don’t need reservations. Kenmore Air offers scenic seaplane flights from Seattle.
Can you drive to the top of Mount Constitution?
Yes — a paved road winds from the park entrance to the summit of Mount Constitution (about 15-minute drive). A Discover Pass is required for parking. You can also hike (the classic route from Mountain Lake is 3.5 miles one-way) or bike the road. The stone observation tower at the summit is open for climbing to the top.
What can you see from Mount Constitution?
The 360-degree view from the 53-foot CCC tower is extraordinary. You can see the entire San Juan Islands archipelago (400+ islands), Mount Baker to the east, Mount Rainier to the south, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island in British Columbia to the north. On the clearest days, you can see from the Cascades to the Olympics — a span of nearly 200 miles.
Can you swim in the lakes at Moran State Park?
Yes — Mountain Lake and Cascade Lake both have designated swimming areas. The water is fresh and clean but cold, even in summer — typically 60-68°F. There are no lifeguards. Cascade Lake has a dock and day-use area that’s popular for swimming. Mountain Lake is quieter and more secluded.
Is Moran State Park crowded?
Summer weekends can be busy, especially at the summit and Cascade Lake day-use area. However, because getting to the island requires a ferry, the park is never as crowded as mainland parks. Weekdays and off-season visits are remarkably peaceful. The backcountry trails (Twin Lakes, Johnson Camp) offer true solitude year-round.
Who donated the land for Moran State Park?
Robert Moran, a former mayor of Seattle who made his fortune during the Klondike Gold Rush, donated 2,700 acres to Washington State in 1921 to create the park. After being told he had a year to live, he retired to Orcas Island, built the Rosario Resort, and lived another 35 years. The CCC expanded and improved the park in the 1930s.
Can you see whales from Moran State Park?
The park itself is inland on Orcas Island, so whale watching from the park trails is rare. However, Orcas Island is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the Pacific Northwest, with resident orca pods, humpback whales, and minke whales regularly seen in surrounding waters. Commercial whale-watching tours depart from nearby Deer Harbor and Rosario.
Getting There
- Seattle: 90 miles north + ferry (3-4 hours total)
- Anacortes Ferry Terminal: ~1 hour ferry to Orcas Island
- Park from Orcas Landing: 13 miles (20 min drive from ferry dock)
Address: 3572 Olga Road, Olga, WA 98279
