Mount Constitution
About
What It Is
Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, rising 2,409 feet above sea level on Orcas Island, Washington [3]. It sits entirely within Moran State Park, a 5,000-acre state park [2]. The mountain was named by explorer Charles Wilkes during the Wilkes Expedition of 1838–1842, after the USS Constitution [2]. The land was originally donated by shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor Robert Moran beginning in 1911, and the park was formally dedicated in 1921 [3].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can reach the summit either by car or on foot [1]. A popular hiking route begins and ends at Mountain Lake, covering 6.7 miles roundtrip with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, passing through old-growth forest and offering views of the San Juan Islands along the way [1]. At the summit, a 52-foot stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 provides panoramic views of surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, and cities in both the United States and Canada, including Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia [2][3]. On clear days, landmarks as distant as Mount Baker and Mount Rainier are visible [2].
Inside the tower, a historical display covers the construction of the tower and the history of Robert Moran [3]. A gift shop and learning center operated by the Friends of Moran sells maps, gifts, and park information [3].
Practical Access
The trailhead for the Mountain Lake loop route is reached from the Orcas Island ferry terminal by heading north on Orcas Road, turning onto Main Street, then Crescent Beach Drive, then Olga Road, and finally Mount Constitution Road [1]. A Discover Pass is required for parking and park entry [1]. The summit can also be reached directly by car via Mount Constitution Road [1].
The hiking route is rated moderate to hard, with a highest point of 2,410 feet and 1,500 feet of elevation gain over 6.7 miles roundtrip [1]. App-based navigation may be unreliable on the drive to the trailhead, so downloading directions in advance is recommended [1].
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
Mount Constitution holds the distinction of being the highest point in the San Juan Islands and the second-highest mountain on an ocean island in the contiguous 48 states, surpassed only by Devils Peak in California's Channel Islands [2]. The summit tower, designed by architect Ellsworth Storey and modeled after a medieval watchtower, is a rare example of Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship and adds architectural and historical interest beyond the natural setting [2][3]. The combination of a drivable summit, a multi-mile hiking option, interpretive exhibits, and sweeping multi-country views makes it one of the most layered single-site experiences in the Pacific Northwest islands [1][2][3].
Sources
- Moran State Park - Mount Constitution via Mountain Lake — Washington Trails Association
- Mount Constitution
- Mount Constitution | visitsanjuans.com
- Open year-round
- Best months: May–September
- Typical duration: 2h
Access & fees
- washington discover pass
Things to do
- birdwatching and wildlife watching
- drive to summit
- hiking
- nature observation
- observation tower
- photography
- picnicking
- scenic driving
- scenic viewing
- side trip to little summit
- side trip to twin lakes
- summit hiking loop
Amenities
- gift shop and learning center
Features
- ccc stone observation tower
- heritage/history
- highest san juan islands peak
- historical display inside tower
- medieval watchtower design
- panoramic multi-country views
Nearby
- moran state park
- mountain lake trailhead
Good to know
- ferry access from mainland
- park contact number
Photos
