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Moran State Park Trail Description Moran State Park has over 30 miles of foot trails. They were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's and range from a fairly level 2 1/2 mile walk around Cascade Lake to the more demanding climb from cascade Lake to the summit of Mount Constitution --- 2,027 feet in 4.3 miles. The following is a description of some of the park's more popular trials. All can be enjoyed with a minimum of equipment: sturdy shoes, a jacket for that unexpected shower and some snacks and water. Caution: creek and lake water may contain harmful bacteria. The trails have numbers and these trail descriptions correspond with those numbers:
Start counter clockwise at the Cascade Lake picnic area by the
kitchen shelter. After a half mile, the trail passes by a picturesque
Douglas fir hanging over the water. Soon the trail crosses
the bridge which spans Rosario Lagoon. Fishing is sometimes good
from this bridge. After 1 1/2 miles you will arrive at the Southend
Campground. From here, follow the south campground road until it
intersects with the county road. Cross the road and follow the trail
through forest to Cascade Lake picnic area.
Start counterclockwise from the ranger's cabin near the Mountain Lake Campground. At the south end of the lake you will find a dam, The trail drops below the dam across the bridge and then rejoins the shoreline. From the far side of the lake, the eye scans the broad summit ridge of Mount Constitution (Little Summit is on the left and the stone tower of the true summit is on the right.) The abundance of trout in this lake attracts kingfishers, bald eagles and osprey. Many species of ducks are here also.
Start at the boat launch at Mountain Lake. Follow the trail north (clockwise) until you reach the north end of Mountain Lake, cross over the creek and continue straight toward Twin Lakes (trail to right continues and loop around Mountain Lake). The trail follows the creek uphill for about a half mile, levels off, then opens onto Big Twin Lake. Loop trails lead you around Big and Little Twin Lakes. From Big Twin Lake, the trail zigzags up to the summit. This section of the trail is strenuous, but rewarding, After about 3/4 mile a small spur trail leads out to a grassy knoll. From the Knoll are some fine views of Mountain Lake, Rosario Straight, and the east face of Mt. Constitution. Rejoin the main trail and follow it to the stone tower at the summit of Mt. Constitution.
Drive up Mt. Constitution Road about one-half mile to the trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road. Follow the trail down to cascade falls, about a 10 minute walk. The falls are most spectacular in the springtime and early summer.
From the summit of Mt. Constitution follow the trail behind the television station. The trail passes through one-half mile of open ridge line with excellent views to the east. Then it enters the forest and eventually leads to Little Summit at 2,200 feet. From this point are unparalleled views the the south and the west. The Olympic Range is in the far distance.
Start from behind the registration booth. The trial passes an interpretive exhibit which describes the powerful windstorm that hit the park in 1972 and switches back up steep slopes toward Cold Springs. From the shelter at cold springs, cross the Mt. Constitution road and follow the trail until it intersects the Little Summit Trial. Turn left, then mike one mile to the stone tower on the top of Mt. Constitution.
Start at the park office (by the Southend Campground). Follow the campground road to campsite #17 and then follow the signs for the Cascade Creek Trial. After one mile you will arrive at Cascade Falls, spectacular in times of high water. The trail passes several smaller but scenic waterfalls as it continues upstream. Cross the bridge below the Mountain Lake dam and follow the shoreline clockwise for one-half mile to the Mountain Lake picnic shelter.
A challenging and scenic trail that leads to some spectacular views of Pt. Lawrence and Rosario Straits. Start you hike from the park office using the Cascade Creek Trial. From the office follow the south campground road to the Southend Campground. The Cascade Creek Trail begins at campsite #17. From there, follow the trail to the County Road South Arch Bridge. Cross the bridge to begin the Southeast Boundary Trail on the left. Trail intersects Mt. Picket Rd.-- turn right and follow road. Turn right at next signed trail and follow to intersection with Pickett Rd. near summit of Mt. Pickett.
Start at the park's north entrance arch and follow the power line up the mountain side. Watch your footing as there are no switchbacks to ease the grade. After 1 1/4 miles, this trail is bisected by the North Trail (#13). Turn left to continue on the North Trial to Twin Lakes or the stone tower. Turn right to Cold Springs then down the Cold Springs Trail (#6) to complete a loop of 4 1/2 miles. It ends at the registration booth in the Cascade Lake picnic area.
Start at the kitchen shelter at Mountain Lake. Hike a short but steep trail that originated as a pathway for phone lines during the time crank telephones were used. Heavily forested, the trial passes through strands of western hemlock and Douglas fir.
Start at the restroom adjacent to the registration booth and follow the trail above Midway Campground on the eastern shore of Cascade Lake. Clearing along the trail provide good views of the lake, especially at sunset, for the first half mile. The rest of the trail is through mixed forest until you reach the Falls trailhead.
Drive up Mt. Constitution Road one-half mile to Cascade Falls trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road. Follow the old fire access road marked Mt. Pickett as it winds along the ridge line and drops down to Little Twin Lake. No views lie along this route, but note the numerous bogs and changes forest type. You will also have an excellent chance of sighting deer.
Drive up Mt. Constitution Road 3 1/2 miles to Cold Springs. Park at the access gate and hike one-half miles down to the intersection with the North trail (#13). Then turn right. Hike one mile through dense lodge pole pine forest to the point the trail intersects with the West Boundary Trial (power line, trail #9). Cross the power line and continue through the dense mixed strands of Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, and Hemlock, descending to Twin Lakes.
Start at the Park Office (by the Southend campground) and walk to the trailhead near campsite #17. Sunrise Rock acquired its name because of its choice location as a place to watch sunrise. Above the southwest shore of Cascade Lake, the view from the top of the rock is spectacular, an includes the water and its surrounding scenery. This
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Cascade Loop, Gentle