Mt. Constitution — Attraction in Orcas Island

Strenuous just shy of 7 mile hike from mountain lake up to top and back down which has two major routes and several options. Plan on 5+ hours and take food WATER simple first aid toilet paper good shoes and a camera. Option 1 the most difficult portion is the telephone line route which starts from the LEFT side of the picnic pavilion and its a seriously difficult - steep incline of 30 to 45 degrees. Narrow, big steps, and so infrequently traveled that at times it almost felt like you lost the trail during the first mile but then the next 2.5 are beautiful 15 degree max with stellar if not frightening views over cliff faces and thick mossy floored forests with fairy like woods and filtered light. We CAME DOWN THIS PATH ( RETURN TRIP ) and would highly recommend it for the down trip for views and that option 2 would be more treacherous in decent verses accent. 3.5 miles total. Option 2 going up ( or coming back down from option 1) is if you take the right side of the pavilion you walk around the west side of the lake for a mile then up 10 to 15 degree paths for another half mile then are faced with 2 nonstop miles of 20 to 30 degree switch backs rising nearly 1500 feet in 2 miles .. its exhausting nonstop and very difficult and at times slightly treacherous going of no less than a dozen switch backs ... if I could have I might have quit but rhats not an option. WE CAME UP THIS PATH ( OUTGOING TRIP ) It was a empowering feeling to make it to the top. Mt. Constitution lookout is okay for the views looking east over the islands and towards Bellingham but be warned there is NO potable water and we were in a real pickle since it was 70 degrees and our group of eight had gone through our supply. Luckily we got 4 small water bottles from the construction workers building the visitor center. The tower is closed due to covid-19. The view point was crowded with people who drove up... cheaters. The way down offers amazing views of mountain lake 1900 feet below.. There is a third route that goes along the east side of the lake which breaks off near the summit which looked pretty just a further distance. Twin lakes is okay but its a diversion. Trail signage is minimal but accurate. This is a serious hike. If you are just starting out take into account the steepness, terrain, concentration during the difficult places adds to the feel and impact on your constitution so a 7 mile strenuous hike demands 14 miles of walk around your neighborhood capacity. From a time perspective plan on 30 to 40 min miles going up and 15 to 20 min miles coming down. Our trip started at 1130am and finished at 530pm. Have food in the car and jump in mountain lake when you get back ... it will be the...

My parents brought me here as a child and I never forgot it. The views are indescribable and I recommend everyone see them at least once in their lifetime.

I was disappointed to find out that the tower was closed due to construction, but it was my own fault for not checking the website until the night before we were going to be here. When able to climb the tower, you must!!

The tower gives 360° views of the Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, Victoria (BC), Vancouver (BC), and everywhere else (as far as the eye can see). This is definitely a visit you want to make on a clear-sky day and don't forget your camera!! You'll regret it if you do!!

There's a small gift shop with limited hours and no running water (shop lady said it got tore out with the tower) but hopefully when the tower is re-opened, it will have running water for everyone... and hopefully (fingers crossed) some flush toilets...?? Nothing like a handi-can to counteract such a beautiful view!

Be advised: this is located within Moran State Park where a Discovery Pass is required for day visits (Discovery Pass is included with overnight camping for each day you are camping) on Orcas Island (only accessible ONLY by ferry (hefty costs for vehicles and passengers; make reservations on ferries if possible; don't miss your scheduled ferry; read ferry sailing schedules VERY carefully to verify which ones actually stop at Orcas Island) or SMALL private/chartered boat/plane (assuming a hefty cost also). Also, the drive up/down the mountain is REALLY steep, so be careful when driving vehicles that are less than road-worthy!!

Hope...

The ups are very up and the downs are very down. I did a giant loop (see pic) and have to say this quickly became one of my favorite trails. I took the first Ferry for an early start—plenty of parking (bring your discovery pass or buy a day pass at the tail head), the weather was perfect, no bugs, and I saw maybe 7 people total on the trail. I chose to go clockwise—heading first to Little Summit, then to false summit, then to the tippy top main attraction Mt. Constitution summit “The Tower.” If I did it again I would stop to eat on the quiet Little Summit and not the tower because the latter is a tourist destination and there will always be one screaming exhausted feral child who is mad about something up there… The trail is well maintained, well signed, and easy to follow. I’m geriatric and as long as you take your time you can complete the loop. If you have knee issues, bring hiking poles to cope with the incline in both directions. Steep inclines with big payoffs ridge walking—views were immaculate.

If you are not camping at Moran State Park, you can take the first ferry to catch sunrise, complete this hike, and be on the 2:20 ferry or spend the day swimming or tooling around the island. I...