Mount Constitution is the highest road of the San Juan Islands
Mount Constitution is a mountain peak at an elevation of 735m (2,411ft) above the sea level, located on Orcas Island, in San Juan County, in the US state of Washington.
Can you drive up Mt Constitution?
Located in the northwestern corner of Washington state, the road to the summit, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, is totally paved. It’s called Mount Constitution Road. Along the road you’ll deal with a few bridges and 7 hairpin turns. The signs along the road are sometimes small, hard to read and not placed in logical places, so go slow, read them carefully, and enjoy the scenery.
How long is the road to Mt Constitution?
Starting at Olga Road, the ascent is 7.56km (4.7 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 583 meters. The average percentage is 7.71% and the maximum gradient is 12%.
Is the road to Mount Constitution worth it?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 15 and 25 minutes. Atop the 2,409-foot-high Mt. Constitution there stands a stone observation tower, known as Ellsworth Storey's Tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The tower features a commanding 360° views and offers panoramic views of surrounding San Juan Islands, Bellingham, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Anacortes, and Port Townsend, and a variety of Canadian and American cities. In addition to the watchtower, the CCC also constructed the road and bridges that lead all the way up to the summit. There are no snack bars, restaurants, or any other services at the summit, so prepare accordingly. Mt. Constitution offers beautiful trails, amazing views and nearby camping. Mount Constitution is the second-tallest mountain on an island in the lower 48 states.
Is Mount Constitution open?
Set high in the Moran State Park, the road to the summit is open annually (although for safety reasons it is closed during heavy snowfall). Weather is a big factor on northwestern climbs. Rain is common, of course, but extensive snow is not.
Pic: Eliab Roman