In the interest of wanting to share about state parks but also keeping my primary focus on writing my book, I’m trying something new: five helpful, interesting, or historical things about a particular park. Let me know what you think.
Five things
#1. Shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor Robert Moran retired to Orcas Island when a doctor incorrectly told him he had only months to live. He wanted to share the restorative nature of the island with the public, and offered in 1911 to donate land for a state park. The state legislature balked, knowing it didn’t have money to operate or maintain such a venture, so Moran turned his attention to encouraging the state to create a state parks committee. Nearly a decade later, the state finally accepted his donation of 2,700 acres, the kernel of today’s Moran State Park.
#2. At more than 5,400 acres, it’s the fifth-largest state park in Washington. With several lakes and campgrounds, you’ve got plenty of room to spread out.
#3. Moran is one of the few places where the Civilian Conservation Corps worked for the duration of the Depression-era jobs program, from 1933 to 1941. Check out the infrastructure built by the CCC, including shelters, bridges, campgrounds, and the road to the top of 2,407’ Mount Constitution.
#4. Speaking of Mount Constitution, don’t miss the CCC-built, 12-story stone observation tower at the top. Seattle architect Ellsworth Storey designed the striking tower, which includes a display about Robert Moran and CCC work at the park. Stand in the viewing room and know that you’re higher than anything else in the San Juan Islands—except the roof above you.
#5. Don’t go without reservations! This is a very popular park in the very popular San Juan Islands, so make ferry and campground reservations well in advance.
Fast facts about Moran State Park
- 5,424-acre camping park, open year-round
- Swimming and non-motorized boating at Cascade and Mountain lakes
- Camping: 124 standard campsites, six hiker/biker sites, one dump station, no electric hookup sites, 45’ max length; glamping
- 5 restrooms (one ADA), and 10 showers (two ADA)
- Four kitchen shelters, two with electricity, one reservable; 61 picnic tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, fire circle, playground
- Hiking, mountain biking, road biking, horseback riding, birding, wildlife viewing
- Freshwater fishing, swimming, diving, non-motorized boating
- Swimming/fishing docks
- Snack bar and boat/float rentals at Cascade Lake during summer season
- Summit Visitor Center and gift shop at top of Mount Constitution open seasonally
- Discover Pass required, $10 daily or, for a very reasonable $30, purchase an annual pass
- Camping and roofed accommodations, hookups, reservable online or by calling 888-CAMPOUT
- Park brochure
- Park map
Land Acknowledgment
Moran State Park sits on the traditional lands of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) people, who provide this land acknowledgment for public use: Moran State Park is “on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Lummi People. The Lummi People are the original inhabitants of Washington’s northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. They lived in villages throughout this territory and continue to have an ongoing relationship with these areas. Since Time Immemorial they have celebrated life on their land, water ways and on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of their People to perpetuate their way of life. Please join us in taking a moment of silence as we honor their ancestors and as we acknowledge the past, present and future Lummi People as the original inhabitants of this land.”
Love the new format too! A favorite of mine for seasonal mountain biking.
Glad you like it! I could have stayed at Moran for a week, easy.
Liked this post very much. Comprehensive, with lots of interesting and useful information. Cheers!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mike!