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Cascade Lake in Moran State Park

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Moran State Park and Mount Constitution

Moran State Park covers a large part of Orcas Island, with five lakes, trails and the summit of Mount Constitution. Here are the hours, fees and what is open right now.

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Moran State Park at a glance

Moran State Park lies on Orcas Island. It has five lakes and trails for hiking, biking and riding. Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake are two of the lakes. The park is a day-use area and a campground, and its summit road leads up Mount Constitution.

You reach the island by ferry from Anacortes. A fall 2026 sample sailing to Orcas takes about 60 minutes, and the ferry terminal is listed as "Orcas Island", not Eastsound. Read the Orcas Island guide for the ferry, flights and rental cars.

5 lakesplus hiking, biking and riding trails
$10 / $45Discover Pass per day or per year, 2026
6:30 amsummer opening, 8 am in winter, closing at dusk
Mountain Lake in Moran State Park

What is open in October 2026

Based on park notices of September 18 and October 7, 2026. Conditions can change, so check the park's current notice before you drive up.

Part of the parkStatusDetails
Summit roadOpenNot open to large trailers and RVs. Large vehicles are restricted above Mountain Lake.
Viewpoint on Mount ConstitutionOpenRestrooms and the visitor center are listed as open.
Tower on Mount ConstitutionClosedRestoration from October 7 to about November 9, 2026. Scaffolding, equipment and noise at the summit.
Hiker/biker campgroundClosed for winterClosed since the notice of October 7, 2026.
Mountain Lake and Lower Midway campingAvailableNamed as the camping areas that remain available.

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Mount Constitution: viewpoint and tower

The summit of Mount Constitution is the park's lookout over the islands. As of October 2026 the tower there is closed for restoration, from October 7 to about November 9, 2026. Do not plan to climb it before the park announces that it has reopened.

The road, the viewpoint, the restrooms and the visitor center remain open according to the notice. Expect scaffolding, work equipment and noise at the top while the work continues. The date for the reopening is an estimate.

The summit road is not open to large trailers and RVs, and large vehicles are restricted above Mountain Lake. Do not assume the summit road is passable in all weather, and check conditions before you drive up.

Hours, fees and rules

Summer hours run from 6:30 am to dusk and winter hours from 8 am to dusk. Parking requires a Discover Pass. As of October 1, 2025 the annual pass costs $45 (it was $30 before), and the day pass costs $10. Transaction fees may apply when you buy one.

If you camp in the state park you booked, you do not need an extra Discover Pass to park there. You may need one if you visit other pass-required sites.

Bikes are allowed on open trails only. On closed trails you may not even push or carry a bike.

The view from Mount Constitution over the San Juan Islands

Camping and weather

The hiker/biker campground closed for the winter after the notice of October 7, 2026. Mountain Lake and Lower Midway are the camping areas named as available. Check the park's current notice for opening dates before you travel.

The San Juan Islands lie in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. The figures below come from the Friday Harbor Airport station (1991 to 2020 normals) and do not apply exactly to the summit.

MonthAverage highAverage lowRainfall
January47°F (8°C)37°F (3°C)2.7 in (68 mm)
April57°F (14°C)41°F (5°C)1.0 in (26 mm)
July72°F (22°C)50°F (10°C)0.5 in (12 mm)
October58°F (15°C)44°F (7°C)2.3 in (59 mm)

Normals are not a forecast. See the weather guide for all twelve months.

Moran State Park: frequently asked questions

Is the Mount Constitution tower open?

No. The tower is closed for restoration from October 7 to about November 9, 2026. The road, viewpoint, restrooms and visitor center stay open according to the park notice. Check the notice again before you go.

How much does it cost to visit Moran State Park?

You need a Discover Pass to park: $10 per day or $45 per year as of 2026. Transaction fees may apply.

When is the park open?

From 6:30 am to dusk in summer and from 8 am to dusk in winter.

Can I drive a trailer or RV to the summit?

No. The summit road is not open to large trailers and RVs, and large vehicles are restricted above Mountain Lake.

Can I camp in the park in winter?

The hiker/biker campground is closed for the winter. Mountain Lake and Lower Midway are named as camping areas that remain available. Check the current notice for details.

Can I bike on any trail?

No. Bikes are allowed on open trails only, and you may not push or carry a bike on a trail that is closed to bikes.

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