Mount Constitution
Published 9:00 pm Friday, December 9, 2005
What: A hike through forests, around lakes and to the high point of Orcas Island in Moran State Park.
Where: Start with a ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island. Disembark and drive north along Orcas Road, curving around the island and following signs to Moran State Park, 13.6 miles from the ferry. From the park entrance, it’s another 1.3 miles to a left turn on Mount Constitution Road. Drive one mile and turn right at the sign to Mountain Lake. It’s a half-mile to a small parking area (you pass through a campground on the way) near a boat launch area. If this lot is full, you can park near the picnic shelter back at the campground. The trailhead is on the north side of the Mountain Lake Landing parking lot.
Length: 6.9 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning elevation: 920 feet
High point: 2,409 feet
Maps: USGS Mount Constitution (free trail maps available at the park)
Information: Moran State Park, 360-376-2326
Notes: Yes, you could drive to the top of Mount Constitution, but think of the scenery and exercise you’d miss. The trail begins along the west shore of Mountain Lake on Bonnie Sliger Memorial Trail. At a junction at the north end of the lake (1.3 miles) take the north fork (To the right is the continuation of a loop around the lake). An easy uphill mile takes you to Twin Lakes (elevation 1,120 feet), with loop trails around each small lake. From here the way turns left and steepens, heading up to Constitution’s summit. Go straight past a junction with North Trail and start a series of switchbacks to the summit, where you’ll join the throngs that drove up. Enjoy the views, and there are plenty on a clear day, from mounts Baker to Rainier. If it’s not too crowded, ascend the sandstone observation tower and have a look. When you’re ready to go, find the trailhead behind the restrooms and descend by way of the Cold Springs/Little Summit Trail. It starts in woods, but opens up on a long ridge with views to the east. Avoid the turnoff to Cold Springs and make your way down to a junction for Little Summit, a side trip to another scenic overlook. Or, just keep going down to Mountain Lake and the parking lot.
From “Rain Shadow Hikes: Western Washington” by Michael Fagin and Skip Card (Mountaineers Books)
