Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington

Moran State Park Washington - Orcas Island WA

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Bellingham

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Barkley District

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Mt Baker Ski Area

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Alaska Marine Hwy

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San Juan Islands
 
 
 

Real Estate
Picnic Shelter Moran State Park Orcas Island WA

 Moran State Park - Features

 

 

 

  • 33 Miles of Hiking Trails 
  • 6 Miles of Horse Trails
  • 11 Miles of Bike Trails Year round w/ 25 open Sept 15- May 15
  • 2 Fresh water lakes
  • 55 unsheltered picnic tables and 6 sheltered

The park is open year-round for both camping and day use but some of the campsites are closed during the winter.

Moran Mansion Is Now The Rosario Resort - Moran State Park Orcas Island WashingtonThe Gift

Moran State Park was created on land gifted to the state by the wealthy ship-builder and former mayor of Seattle, William Moran in 1921.   Spreading out over 5,252 acres, Moran State park has 5 fresh water lakes, numerous campsites, 30 miles of trails, & it also includes Mt. Constitution.   At 2,409 feet it is the highest point in the San Juan Islands.       (Above: Nearby Moran Mansion)   The mansion is just outside of what is now the Moran state park. 

 

Moran Mansion Swimming Pool Overlooking East Sound

Bridge Over Canal - Moran Mansion Orcas Island

Picnic Area - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington

Campfire - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington

 

Top Attraction

One of the star attractions of Orcas Island is Moran State Park which is perhaps one of  Washington's finest.     Moran State Park has the feel of a national park, with rustic wood shelters and stone walls & features and many hiking and biking trails to keep for you to explore.       The panoramic views from the top of Mt. Constitution are a memorable experience.

Info Board - Moran State Park

 

Pay Stations

You won't have any trouble finding a pay station.    Pay boxes are placed around each parking and picnic area.  You simply grab an envelope, complete the information, and place your money in the drop box.      If you park your car you must pay for parking at the self service pay station.    This helps to pay for the operation and maintenance of the park as well as prevent squatters or hippies from moving in permanently. 

 

 

  

Moran State Park Orcas Island - Paddle Boats

Visitor Center - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington

 

Cascade Lake

As you drive through Moran State Park you pass by Cascade Lake which has numerous picnic sites amongst giant trees. ( Photos Above).      Cascade lake offers paddle boat rentals which are a fun way to get out on the water.  No motorized boats are allowed on either of Moran Park's freshwater lakes.   The Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Cascade lake with several species of fish including  cutthroat, rainbow,  and kokanee trout. Continuing along your way through the park the road skirts the edge of Cascade lake and soon after you reach the fork in the road that takes you up to Mt. Constitution.

 

Beautiful Moran State Park - Orcas Island Washington

  Roadway winds past a mountian lake - Moran State Park WA

Moran State Park Lake - Orcas Island Washington

Picnic Area By The Lake - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington
Giant Log Display - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington Lakeside Route - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington

Highest Point In The San Juan's

Driving up the road to Mt. Constitution there can be dense fog in places and once at the top there might be too many clouds to see much of anything, but then suddenly the clouds can clear, giving you a panoramic view of the San Juan islands.     One Fog Bank - Moran State Park Orcas Island Washington thing you learn to accept in the San Juan's is the changing weather and the fact that weather predictions are often wrong.     Sometimes the predictions are so wrong that its humorous but it can also be dangerous if you're in a small boat or kayak.    Fortunately, the islands are equally beautiful whether its sunny or overcast.    

Once at the top of Mt. Constitution you may see a bicycle tour operator awaiting their guests, eager to hop on their bikes and coast their way down the mountain trail with little or no peddling.    It may not be the best way to get your exercise but it sure is fun.      For more information about this tour visit the backroads.com website.         

The Long And Winding Road

If you plan on doing allot of exploring in your car you might want to top off your car's gas tank before leaving Anacortes.  There are gas stations on the major islands but it seems everything costs more in the islands.   As my rental car slowly crawled its way up the steep and winding road to the top of Mt. Constitution I noticed the car was getting only 6 miles per gallon, but fortunately on the way down I was getting 66 mpg so it does all average out but you don't want to run out of gas while you're out on the islands.   
It is important that you observe the speed limits at all times and drive extra carefully because there are numerous cyclist both coming up and going down this same road.     While I'll admit that they could do a better job of staying off to the side of the road you just can't run them over.
There are numerous blind curves so please be very careful and always assume that there is either a cyclist or slow moving traffic around the bend.   

Visit Bellinghamster.com's Guide To The Washington State Ferry System.

 

MORAN STATE PARK  For reservations call 

(888) 226-7688

Visit The Official Washington State Park System Website To View Campsite Maps Of Moran State Park And Reserve Your Campsite.Make Reservations.

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