Moran State Park

Over 31 miles of excellent hiking and biking trails afford the opportunity to view the many eagles and owls perched in the giant, old-growth forest of the park. The San Juan Islands are home to more eagles than any other region of the contiguous states. Viewing via automobile is possible on the nine miles of road (two miles are unimproved) that wind through the park. Two interpretive displays are located within the park.

An imposing stone tower atop 2,409 foot high Mt. Constitution affords a 360 degree view of the San Juan Islands, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympics, and Northern Puget Sound.

An Environmental Learning Center accommodates 155 people. It includes a dining hall/kitchen, one comfort station, nine cabins, three duplex buildings and an infirmary. For information and/or reservations call (360) 902-8600.

Camping facilities include 136 camp sites, a 15-site primitive bike campground with an Adirondack shelter, 54 day use sites, five kitchen shelters, a day use comfort station, a trailer dumping station, five camp area comfort stations, two pit toilets and four vault toilets (two locations). The parking area will accommodate 85 vehicles. Food and wood concessions are located within the park.

Moran State Park is on the Campsite Reservation Program.

Recreation - Activities within the park include picnicking, camping, swimming, hiking, boating and fishing. The Environmental Learning Center, nature trails and the scenic views from the top of Mount Constitution are also favorite activities.

Climate - Washington's climate varies with each region. Moran Island State Park is located in an area "protected" by surrounding ocean waters and mountain ranges. Temperatures are consistently moderate, rarely topping 80 degrees in the summer and rarely falling below 30 degrees in the winter.

Annual rainfall averages 29 inches, approximately half that of Seattle. In the summer months, and especially during September and early October, the islands may go for weeks without a cloud in the sky. Snowfalls occur once or twice a year and usually total only one or two inches. Northeast winds may cause temperature extremes.

Island tides range over 14 feet. The extreme low tide of 4.0 feet to the extreme high tide of over 10 feet.

Location - Moran State park is located six miles southeast of Eastsound on Orcas Island in San Juan County. Orcas Island is accessible by boat or ferry. To get to the Orcas Island ferry terminal, visitors can take Interstate 5 to the Burlington (230) exit. Turn west to Highway 20 until you reach Anacortes. Follow the signs to the ferry landing. In the summer be sure to arrive at least two hours early to make sure that you can catch the ferry you had in mind. Call 1-800-84-FERRY for a current ferry schedule.