Eleanor Finch
Mount Constitution on Orcas Island is a challenging climb with exceptional views of the Strait of Jaun de Fuca. The best way to get to Orcas Island is via the Washington State Ferry from Anacrotes, WA. The primary mode of travel to the island is by ferry, and from there, you can hike or drive to the summit of Mount Constitution. The mountain features a five-mile biking trail to the top, with an average grade of 7.3% over 4.8 miles, according to some cyclists. The road to the summit is open annually but is closed during heavy snowfall for safety reasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Nearly half a mile high |
| Location | Orcas Island, Washington |
| Cycling trail length | 4.8 miles5 miles7.6 miles |
| Elevation gain | 1,840 feet2,400 feet |
| Average grade | 7.3%5.8% |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Views | Mount BakerThe North Cascades Mountain RangeThe Strait of Jaun de FucaThe San Juan IslandsVancouver IslandVictoria |
| Other attractions | Stone towerGift shopLearning centreVisitor centreBathroomsRefreshment standWaterfalls |
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What You'll Learn
Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands
The road to the summit of Mount Constitution is open annually, although it may close during heavy snowfall for safety reasons. From the Orcas Island ferry terminal, visitors can head north on Orcas Road, turn right on Main Street, and then turn right again onto Olga Road after passing the park entrance. The road to the summit is a challenging climb, with a steep grade and solid switchbacks. The average grade is reported to be between 5.8% and 7.3%, depending on the starting point.
There are also numerous hiking trails that lead to the summit, including from Cold Springs, Mountain Lake, and the West Boundary. The hike offers an intimate experience with nature, taking hikers through forests and past waterfalls. At the summit, there is a stone tower, a replica of Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century. The tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view, including sights of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago.
Mount Constitution is a popular destination for cyclists, with a five-mile biking trail to the top. The cycling route is described as challenging, with exceptional views of the Strait of Jaun de Fuca. The road is wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and vehicle traffic, although bikers are advised to use caution due to the lack of shoulders on the road. Overall, Mount Constitution is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Orcas Island and the San Juan Islands.
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The tower at the summit was constructed in the 1930s
Mount Constitution on Orcas Island is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. It offers magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago. The tower at the summit, constructed in the 1930s, is a stone replica of 12th-century Russian watchtowers built in the Caucasus region. The Civilian Conservation Corps, a public relief programme established during the Great Depression, built the tower, along with the road and bridges leading to Mount Constitution's summit.
The tower, also known as the Mount Constitution Observation Tower, offers breathtaking vistas from its top deck. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, encompassing other islands of the San Juan Archipelago, such as Waldron, Cypress, Blakely, Decatur, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan Islands. On clear days, one can even spot Vancouver Island and Victoria from the tower.
The tower is accessible via a short gravel path from the parking lot at the summit. It houses a gift shop and a learning centre, providing educational opportunities for visitors. The tower stands as a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps' craftsmanship and their efforts to enhance the visitor experience at Mount Constitution.
Constructing the tower and improving access to the summit in the 1930s made Mount Constitution more accessible to hikers and nature enthusiasts. The road to the summit, open annually, offers a challenging climb for cyclists and breathtaking scenery for drivers. The tower has become an integral part of the Mount Constitution experience, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
The tower's construction in the 1930s preserved a piece of architectural history by replicating the design of ancient Russian watchtowers. This fusion of nature, history, and culture has made Mount Constitution a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a unique blend of experiences. The tower stands as a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps' legacy, enhancing the natural beauty of Mount Constitution with a touch of historical charm.
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The road to Mount Constitution is open annually
Mount Constitution on Orcas Island is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, rising nearly half a mile high. The road to the summit is open annually, although it closes during heavy snowfall for safety reasons.
The primary way to get to Orcas Island is by taking a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, which costs $10 each way as of August 2019. The ferry ride has been described as having one of the best maritime views in the world.
Once on Orcas Island, there are several ways to get to the summit of Mount Constitution. One option is to drive to the summit, following these directions from the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal: Head north on Orcas Road. After just over 8 miles, turn right on Main Street, which becomes Crescent Beach Drive. At a four-way intersection, turn right onto Olga Road. Follow this road, and after passing the park entrance, veer left onto Mount Constitution Road. At the next Y in the road, keep right and drive to the trailhead.
Another option is to hike to the summit. There are numerous trails that lead to the summit from different starting points across Moran State Park, including Cold Springs, Mountain Lake, and the West Boundary. One trail begins and ends at Mountain Lake and takes hikers through the forest and offers sweeping views of the San Juan Islands.
For those looking for a challenge, it is also possible to cycle to the summit of Mount Constitution. The climb has been described as very challenging, with steep sections and solid switchbacks. The average grade has been estimated at 7.3% over 4.8 miles or 5.8% over 7.6 miles, depending on the starting point. The views from the top are exceptional, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago.
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It is possible to drive to the summit
Mount Constitution, rising nearly half a mile high above Orcas Island, is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. It offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding islands, Canada, and Mount Baker. The observation tower at the summit provides 360-degree views, including Mount Baker to the northeast, the North Cascades Mountain Range to the east, and other islands of the San Juan Archipelago.
While Mount Constitution is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, it is also possible to drive to the summit. The road to the summit is typically open annually, although it may close during heavy snowfall for safety reasons. The drive to the summit offers magnificent views and is a popular choice for those who prefer not to hike or are pressed for time.
The drive to the summit of Mount Constitution begins at the Orcas Island ferry terminal. From the ferry terminal, drivers can head north on Orcas Road and then turn right onto Main Street, which becomes Crescent Beach Drive. At a four-way intersection, drivers turn right onto Olga Road and then veer left onto Mount Constitution Road after passing the park entrance. Keeping right at the next Y in the road will lead directly to the trailhead and summit.
The road to the summit is noted for its wide lanes and lack of heavy traffic, making it a pleasant drive. Along the way, drivers can enjoy the scenery of the surrounding islands and forests. Additionally, there are several gates along the route that are closed at dusk, offering the potential for a car-free experience.
While driving to the summit is an option, it is important to note that app-based driving directions may not always be accurate, and data connections can be unreliable in certain areas. Therefore, it is recommended to save a copy of the directions before embarking on the drive. Additionally, drivers should be aware of potential challenges, such as the grades along the route, which can be steep and include switchbacks.
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The primary mode of travel to Orcas Island is via ferry
Mount Constitution on Orcas Island is a challenging climb, with a solid and stout grade. The average grade varies depending on the starting point, with an average grade of 7.6 miles at 5.8% from the town of Rosario, and 4.8 miles at 7.3% from another starting point. The climb is steep almost all the way to Little Summit, with a shallow grade to the end of the road from there. The road to the summit is open annually, but it is closed during heavy snowfall for safety reasons.
Once on Orcas Island, there are several ways to get to the summit of Mount Constitution. It is possible to drive to the summit, with a road that twists through the forest to the top. There are also numerous hiking trails to the summit, including from Mountain Lake, Cold Springs, and the West Boundary. The hike offers sweeping views of the San Juan Islands, as well as an intimate experience of hiking through the forest.
The observation tower at the summit offers a magnificent 360-degree view, including of Mount Baker, the North Cascades Mountain Range, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago. The tower is a replica of 12th-century Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus and was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, along with the road and bridges to the summit.
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Frequently asked questions
The average grade up Mt Constitution is 7.3% over 4.8 miles. The climb is steep almost all the way up to Little Summit.
Yes, it is possible to drive up Mt Constitution. However, the road is also used by cyclists and hikers, so watch out for traffic.
From the top of Mt Constitution, you can see Mount Baker, the North Cascades Mountain Range, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago. On a clear day, you can also see Vancouver Island and Victoria.
The primary way to get to Orcas Island is via the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. The fare is $10 each way for one person and a standard vehicle.
