Categories: Travel

This park in the San Juan Islands has a stunning replica of a 12th century watchtower

Image via National Park Services

If you’re heading to Orcas Island this summer, your trip won’t be complete without a visit to the top of Mount Constitution, which is described as “a perfect culmination for hikers and bikers in Moran State Park.”

Rising almost a half mile high above Orcas Island, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, according to Moran State Park.

“Sitting on the crest is a stone tower replica of Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century,” states the park. “In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed this tower and the road and bridges which lead to the summit of Mount Constitution.”

Image via Cascade Creatives/Shutterstock

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 5,400+ 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. Enjoy!