Where To Hike On San Juan Island?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Whether you explore the winding trails from English Camp,

walk along the shore at Lime Kiln Point State Park, or take in the views at Cattle Point Lighthouse, San Juan Island is full of adventure

. Find more maps for San Juan Island hikes.

How long does it take to hike Mt Constitution?

Duration:

3-4 hours

. This 7 mile round-trip hike takes you to the mountain’s summit. From here you’ll be able to take in an amazing view. During the hike, you’ll head around the left side of Mountain Lake, and then continue on to Twin Lakes, before starting your jaunt to the top of Mt.

Is Hurricane Ridge a hard hike?

Try this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Port Angeles, Washington. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 1 h 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Can you backpack Orcas Island?


Backpacking to the islands can be a fun affordable option if you plan ahead

. Lopez and Shaw have camping within walking distance of the ferry landings but camping on San Juan and Orcas is much farther away. Backpacking in the islands is more like backpacking across Europe than backpacking in the wilderness.

What mountains can you see from San Juan Island?

On clear day you can see down to

Mt Rainier, and all of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains

, as well as Vancouver Island and the BC coast range (plus the islands themselves of course). On San Juan Island itself, there is a nice view from the top of Mt Young but it’s not nearly as expansive as Mt Constitution.

How long is Mt Finlayson hike?

Discover this

3.7-mile

loop trail near Langford, British Columbia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Can you drive to the top of Mt Constitution?


The road to Mount Constitution is open annually

(although for safety reasons it is closed during heavy snowfall). Trails also lead to the summit from numerous starting points across Moran State Park including Cold Springs, Mountain Lake, and the West Boundary.

What mountain can you see from Mt Constitution?


Mount Constitution
Location Orcas Island, San Juan County, Washington, U.S.

How do you get to Mount Constitution?

Getting There


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 by the park entrance, veer left onto Mount Constitution Road.

When should I go to Hurricane Ridge?

Hurricane Ridge is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road, off Mount Angeles Road. The road is

open throughout summer

. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days.

Can you see Canada from Hurricane Ridge?

From Hurricane Ridge

you can view the peaks of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the shores of Canada

.

Is Hurricane Ridge open right now?

During the winter season, Hurricane Ridge Road is typically open to uphill traffic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday through Sunday and some holidays, weather and road conditions permitting. However, the road can open as early as 8:00 am or as late as 12:00 pm depending on road conditions.

Are there bears on Orcas Island?

As the second anniversary of the 2017 black bear visit neared, another Ursus Americanus has returned to Orcas Island. Sheriff Ron Krebs confirmed with the Journal that

there is a bear on Orcas once again

. It was spotted in the Olga area on May 10 on the very same property where the previous bear was humanely trapped.

Can you walk around Orcas Island?


Hiking and beachcombing are activities you can enjoy all year

, along with taking in the scenery. There are less restaurants and tour operators in the winter, the trade off for less crowds. I particularly like to visit Orcas Island in late spring, especially May and early June.

How many days do you need in Orcas Island?

Stay for

two days

to enjoy the full breadth of island life with morning mist rolling through the farmlands and fiery sunsets over the water. Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger weekend crowds and spend time island-hopping between activities on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island.

What mountain can you see from Friday Harbor?

360 Degree View

Friday Harbor’s 736-foot high

Mount Grant Preserve

has a reward for the mile hike to the ridgetop. Atop the high viewing peak with 360-degree views take in Washington’s favorite volcanoes: Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Glacier Peak.

Where is Mt Finlayson located?

Mount Finlayson Location

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
District Highland Land District Parent range Gowlland Range Topo map NTS 92B5 Sooke

How high is Mount Finlayson?

1,375′

How high is Mount Tolmie?

394′

Is Mt Constitution open?


The summit Visitor Center is open

!

Mount Constitution’s towering height and unique geography have made it a gathering place for diverse human and natural communities, for thousands of years.

How tall is Mount Constitution on Orcas Island?

2,399′

What mountain is on Orcas Island?

Atop the 2,409-foot-high

Mt. Constitution

, the highest point on the San Juan Islands, there stands a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. The tower offers panoramic views of surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains and a variety of Canadian and American cities.

What is the highest point in the San Juan Islands?

2,625′

Is Mount Constitution volcanic?


The rocks to the north of Mount Constitution are volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the East Sound Group

. Some of these lavas have distinct ‘pillow’ shapes, telling us that the lava interacted with water as it erupted. The volcanic rocks are also interlayered with limestone, which forms from corals in marine settings.

Why is it called MT Constitution?

Mount Constitution was named by Charles Wilkes during the Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842.

Wilkes’ named Orcas Island “Hull Island”, after Commodore Isaac Hull, the commander of the USS Constitution

, who won fame after capturing the British warship Guerriere in the War of 1812.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.