Categories: Lifestyle

You can visit a stunning replica of a 12th century watchtower at this park in the San Juan Islands

Washington has its fair share of wild and wacky things including a real stone tower replica of a Russian watchtower from the 12th century. Normally this sort of tower would have graced the Caucasus region but instead, it sits on top of Orcas Island’s Mount Constitution inside Moran State Park. And yes, you can visit it.

The watchtower is one of many amazing projects completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. In addition to the watchtower, the CCC also constructed the road and bridges that lead all the way up to the summit of Mount Constitution. As for why the tower was built where it is, the answer is simple. Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

Recent Posts:
7 Orcas Island Airbnbs for the cottage core getaway of your dreams
Done with city life? One of the San Juans’ last natural private islands is up for sale

From the top of the tower, visitors can see a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound, Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago. The combo of the tower’s handiwork and the resulting view make visiting it a must if you’re planning on heading to Moran State Park. Not to mention you can explore the park’s 5000+ acres which include a lake, tons of hiking trails, and beaches.

You can visit the park year-round and summer is as good a time as any to check it out. You can learn more about the Moran State Park’s watchtower and the park at their website.

Recent Posts

Your next page-turner might be among Indigo’s best books of 2026

There are still a few months left in the year, but Canada’s largest bookstore chain,…

1 hour ago

10 Calgary concerts to check out before the year ends

Still hoping to catch a concert before 2026 wraps up? You're in luck. Calgary has…

2 hours ago

A new film festival celebrating Alberta-made movies is coming to Drumheller

This November, Alberta's dinosaur capital is getting a film festival celebrating local filmmakers and homegrown…

20 hours ago

5 concerts in Edmonton to check out before the year ends

With artists like Rush, Wolf Parade, and more!

20 hours ago

Here’s when Alberta ski resorts are opening for the 2026-27 season

Temperatures are dropping, and if you're anything like us, you're already dreaming of ski season…

21 hours ago

Your pet’s name might be one of Canada’s trendiest this year

Coming up with a name for your fur baby is an important task. You don’t…

23 hours ago