Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,492.00 ft (454.76 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.60 mi (4.18 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

At 2,409 feet, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. A hike to the top is a workout, but it can be done in a few hours. On a clear day this is surely time well spent, as the expansive views from the summit look out over the Rosario Straight, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the 5,252-acre Moran State Park.

While there are more than 30 miles of hiking trails in Moran State Park, this hike starts near the picnic shelter at Mountain Lake. You’ll begin with a short-but-quick elevation gain on a trail that passes through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock. As you climb you will reach the fork for Little Summit Trail. From here you can cut left for one third of a mile to see the exceptional view from Little Summit, or cut right and hike another 1.9 miles for the observation tower on the true summit.  From the summit you can do a there-and-back route, or for a loop, take the trail to Twin Lakes on the way to the Mountain Lake picnic shelter.

Summer hours for the park are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and winter hours run from 8 a.m. to dusk. Be sure to pick up your day-use pass at the entrance to Moran State Park if you do not have a Washington Discovery Pass.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Washington Discovery Pass

Pros

Highest summit in San Juan Islands. Old-growth forest. Great views.

Cons

Summit accessible via car which can lead to crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

917.00 ft (279.50 m)

Features

Historically significant
Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Comments

08/02/2015
Be sure to check out Little Summit! There is a small turnout coming down from Mt. Constitution that will hold a few cars.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.