Last updated: August 4, 2022
Place
Moran State Park
Quick Facts
Location:
Orcas Island, WA
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
28 listed
Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Fire Pit, Firewood For Sale/Available, First Aid Kit Available, Food/Drink - Coffee, Food/Drink - Ice Cream, Food/Drink - Snacks, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Grill, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Family, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tent Campsites, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Water - Bottle-Filling Station
Moran State Park, located on Orcas Island, is one of the jewels of the Washington State Parks system. Former Seattle mayor, Robert Moran moved to Orcas Island in the early 1900s believing that the climate of the San Juan Islands would improve his faltering health. Moran purchased a massive estate where he built an impressive mansion. While the mansion remains in private hands, Robert Moran recognized that the lakes, woods, and mountains that were a part of his estate were natural treasures which deserved to be preserved for public enjoyment. In 1921, he donated these lands to the state of Washington for the creation of Moran State Park.
Some of the most breathtaking lands in the San Juan Islands can be found at Moran State Park. Its 38-mile hiking trail network is the largest in the archipelago, providing visitors with opportunities to stroll along lakes, enjoy waterfalls, and stroll along five different lakes. Trails and roads lead to the top of Mount Constitution, whose 2,409 foot summit is the highest point in the San Juan Archipelago. Visitors can also ride horses, go mountain biking, fish for lake trout, kayak, or camp in the 151 campsites available for Moran State Park visitors.
Moran State Park is not just a natural wonder, it is also a historic place. Much of the park’s infrastructure, including the stunning stone observation tower atop Mount Constitution, was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a New Deal Era program designed to provide meaningful work for Americans who lost employment during the Great Depression. Many of the most iconic facilities in national and state parks throughout the United States were constructed by the men who worked for the CCC.
At the top of Mount Constitution, the park also operates the Summit Visitor Center, which interprets the natural history of the San Juan Islands. The indoor visitor center and gift shop is open April through October and outdoor exhibits are available year round. The park also has concessionaires who will rent various watercraft to visitors and a snack bar, “The Sugar Shack” is located on Cascade Lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, Moran State Park has many recreational opportunities for all types of visitor! Learn about the numerous camping opportunities available at Moran State Park and check out the park map to begin planning your visit.
Some of the most breathtaking lands in the San Juan Islands can be found at Moran State Park. Its 38-mile hiking trail network is the largest in the archipelago, providing visitors with opportunities to stroll along lakes, enjoy waterfalls, and stroll along five different lakes. Trails and roads lead to the top of Mount Constitution, whose 2,409 foot summit is the highest point in the San Juan Archipelago. Visitors can also ride horses, go mountain biking, fish for lake trout, kayak, or camp in the 151 campsites available for Moran State Park visitors.
Moran State Park is not just a natural wonder, it is also a historic place. Much of the park’s infrastructure, including the stunning stone observation tower atop Mount Constitution, was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a New Deal Era program designed to provide meaningful work for Americans who lost employment during the Great Depression. Many of the most iconic facilities in national and state parks throughout the United States were constructed by the men who worked for the CCC.
At the top of Mount Constitution, the park also operates the Summit Visitor Center, which interprets the natural history of the San Juan Islands. The indoor visitor center and gift shop is open April through October and outdoor exhibits are available year round. The park also has concessionaires who will rent various watercraft to visitors and a snack bar, “The Sugar Shack” is located on Cascade Lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, Moran State Park has many recreational opportunities for all types of visitor! Learn about the numerous camping opportunities available at Moran State Park and check out the park map to begin planning your visit.