About This Trail

Mountain Lake Trail loops around the largest lake in Moran State Park on Orcas Island. The path stays close to the shoreline for most of its 3.9-mile circuit, weaving through tall Douglas fir and cedar with frequent openings to the water. Osprey, kingfishers, herons, and woodpeckers work the lake and surrounding forest.

The south end of the lake features a small dam, and on clear days Mount Constitution and its stone tower rise above the treeline to the east. Side trails branch to Mount Pickett and other destinations for hikers looking to extend, but the lake loop itself stays gentle with only about 300 feet of total elevation change.

Getting here requires the Anacortes ferry to Orcas Island, which adds planning time but keeps crowds manageable compared to mainland trails. The trailhead has restrooms with running water. A Discover Pass covers parking. The trail sees mud in winter and early spring but stays accessible year-round. A stream crossing on the loop toward Hidden Falls lacks a bridge and may require careful footing in high water.

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)

Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

strikingBeautyIsland lake ringed by old forest with Mount Constitution rising behind

Type 1Fun

1/5Difficulty

2/5Wildness

1/5Exposure

3/5Reward

1/5Effort

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended

Persistent Hazards

Unbridged stream crossing near Hidden Falls
Ferry schedule constrains trip timing

Getting There

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Parking

Mountain Lake parking area in Moran State Park. Restrooms with running water at trailhead. Discover Pass required. Reached via the Anacortes-Orcas ferry, then approximately 15 miles of island roads.

Approach

The loop runs in either direction from the trailhead. Counterclockwise keeps the lake on the right and reaches the dam end first. A side trail to Hidden Falls adds distance and includes the unbridged stream crossing. Mount Pickett trail branches off for a steeper extension with more elevation.

Timing

Plan around the ferry schedule. The loop takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so mid-morning starts work well after an early ferry. The lake faces east and catches good morning light.