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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Islands Region
Moran State Park
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Moran State Park © Cdbavg400 at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Lake in Moran State Park, Orcas Island, Washington, United States of America. Photo taken March 14, 2007.
Moran State Park © Joe Mabel / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Looking toward Orcas Islands Mount Constitution in Moran State Park from the southwest, from a Washington State Ferry bound from Shaw Island to Lopez Island.
Moran State Park © Joe Mabel / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View from observation tower atop Mt. Constitution, Moran State Park, Orcas Island, Washington toward Clark Island several smaller islands are also visible. The twin lakes in Moran State Park can be seen at right.
Moran State Park © Nickpdx / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Cascade Falls, Moran State Park, Washington, United States
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MORAN STATE PARK
MORAN STATE PARK
3572 Olga Road
Olga, Washington   98279
(lat:48.665 lon:-122.824) map location

Phone: 360-376-2326
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Moran State Park is a 5,252-acre camping park with five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of hiking trails. Atop the 2,409-foot-high Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands, there stands a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains and a variety of Canadian and American cities. A tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding Canadian and American terrain, including the Olympic Mountains. The park also features more than 30 miles of trails, five lakes and several waterfalls, an old growth forest and a lodge pole pine forest.
Nature of the Area
Mount Constitution at 2,409 feet is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. The steep, winding road leading to the top is well worth the trip.
History of the Area
Moran State Park opened in 1921 when Robert Moran, shipbuilder and former mayor of Seattle, donated more than 2,700 acres to the state for a park. Most of the trails, roads, bridges, and buildings in the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. The builders used native materials on site to construct the many stone and wooden shelters and buildings.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 124 standard campsites, six hiker/biker sites, one dump station, five restrooms one ADA, and 10 showers two ADA. No electric hookup sites are available at the park. Campsites are located in five different camping areas.

Northend camp area is located closest to the entrance, across the road from the day-use and swim beach area. Several of these sites provide a great deal of privacy.

Midway camp area is near the Cascade Lake boat launch with 12 of the sites located on the shore of the lake. The remaining Midway sites are across the road from the lake, but several offer nice views.

The Southend camp area is the most popular with almost all of the sites located right along the shoreline. This area has one ADA-accessible campsite and restroom facility.

Mountain Lake camp area is located 1 mile up Mount Constitution Road on the shores of Mountain Lake, the largest lake in the park. For those who arrive by bicycle or on foot, six hiker/biker campsites are located on the road to Mount Constitution.

Maximum site length is 45 feet limited availability. Certain areas and campsites will not fit large RVs or motorhomes.
Boating
Located in San Juan County on Mountain Lake, Moran offers two watercraft launches. Internal combustion engines are not allowed.



Picnicking
The park provides two kitchen shelters with and two without electricity, plus six sheltered and 55 unsheltered picnic tables. Most facilities are available first come, first served.

The log kitchen shelter located at the Cascade Lake swim area is reservable. It includes stone fireplace, wood grill, sink, electrical outlets and lights. Capacity is 100 people. Parking for this shelter is shared with swim beach users and may fill up on summer days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trails
1. Mount Constitution Trail: This is the most popular trail in Moran State Park, leading to the highest point on Orcas Island at 2,409 feet with a historic stone tower and panoramic views of surrounding islands.

2. Cascade Falls Loop: A moderate hike that takes you through lush forests to one of Washington's largest waterfalls - The Cascade falls which drops over 75 feet into a beautiful pool below.

3. Mountain Lake Loop: An easy-to-moderate level loop around scenic Mountain Lake offering opportunities for fishing or swimming along its shores.

4. Twin Lakes Trail: Starting from either North End Campground or South End Picnic Area this moderately difficult trail leads hikers past two serene lakes nestled among old-growth trees.

5. Little Summit Lookout Point: Shorter than Mt.Constitution but still offers stunning vistas without as much effort; perfect for families with young children or those looking for less strenuous hikes.

6. Cold Springs Trails: It's an uphill climb through dense forest before reaching Cold Spring where there are picnic tables available under shady cedar trees making it ideal spot during summer months.

7. South Boundary Way: Moderate difficulty hiking path running parallel to park boundary line featuring diverse flora & fauna native to Pacific Northwest region.

8. Turtleback mountain trails: Located outside main part of park these series offer challenging climbs rewarded by breathtaking island views.

9. Lostman Creek Ponds Nature Walk: Easy walk suitable even toddlers showcasing variety wildlife habitats including wetlands ponds home many bird species.

10. Rosario Headland Overlook Pathway: Steep short pathway ending dramatic cliffside overlook facing Rosario Strait providing excellent whale watching spots seasonally.
Nature Programs
There is a short, self-guided interpretive trail near the kitchen shelter in the day-use area. Interpretive displays in the observation tower on Mount Constitution tell the story of Robert Moran and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Area Attractions


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Directions
Located five miles south of Eastsound, Wash.

From I-5: Take Hwy. 20 exit westbound to Anacortes. Follow signs to San Juan/ Sidney, B.C. ferries. Take ferry to Orcas Island. Turn left after exiting the ferry, and follow signs to Moran State Park (approximately 14 miles).

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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