You’ll find the beautiful Moran State Park on the eastern wing of Orcas Island, our neighboring island to the north, and just one ferry stop away from Friday Harbor on a direct sailing. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, Moran State Park is the largest public recreation area in the San Juan Islands and the fourth largest in the entire state of Washington. Hikers will find lush Evergreens, Mount Constitution (the highest peak in San Juan County), wetlands, and alpine lakes within this forested land. It’s truly a Northwest gem!
While Moran State Park is on Orcas Island, you’ll want to make San Juan Island your home base for exploring the islands. Our San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to stay—the Inn complex is set back on a quiet neighborhood street but only steps from the Friday Harbor ferry dock, cafes, restaurants, and the San Juan Island Brewery. Our spacious rooms and suites are perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, and you’ll love settling in for the evening after a full day of island adventures.
Check out our upcoming availability and book your next stay today!
Day Trip to Moran State Park: Know Before You Go
The San Juan Islands are known worldwide for being one of the most beautiful places in the Northwest. Our quiet, charming communities exude a sense of small-town sensibility, where everyone knows each other, drivers wave from their vehicles, and tourists are welcome with open arms. You’ll notice this on each of the islands in this stunning archipelago, which makes it all the more fun to island hop during your stay.
Moran State Park on Orcas Island is a spectacular place to unwind and be at peace with nature in the Northwest. Whether meandering along the 30-plus miles of wooded trails, swimming in the crisp alpine Mountain Lake, or cresting the summit of Mount Constitution (the highest point in the San Juan Islands) for one of the most stunning views of the area. Made even more impressive with a climb to the top of the 1930s stone watchtower for a whole 360-degree vista.
The trails vary from easy to challenging at Moran State Park, and the lakeside options are considered the most popular and perhaps the most picturesque. We recommend the Mountain Lake Loop, which is an easy 3.9-mile trek through thick woodlands, rocky hills, and tree-lined marshlands for a comprehensive look at Orcas Island’s wild interior.
Biking from the Ferry to Moran State Park:
Orcas Island offers some fantastic biking opportunities. If 15 miles with mild elevation sounds like a treat, then biking from the Orcas Island ferry landing to the entrance of Moran State Park will be your kind of adventure. (Plus the 2,000 feet elevation it takes to summit Mount Constitution!) The Horseshoe Highway (named after the U-shape of Orcas) leads you to the park on the shortest and fastest route, but you’ll also find a few scenic roads with less car traffic to explore if you so choose, either Crow Valley Road or Enchanted Forest Road.
Pro tip: disembark the ferry at the proper time as directed by the crew, but then take a pause and allow the 100 or so cars to get on their way. The majority of vehicles will be heading out on the Horseshoe Highway. Those cars can get on their way, and you can enjoy your ride without dealing with the extra ferry traffic.
We also have complimentary bike rentals for our guests at the Inn, chat with us upon check-in, and we can get you set up.
The Best Retreat on San Juan Island
Recently, Travel + Leisure recognized our San Juan Island Inn Collection as one of the best places to stay in Friday Harbor. We couldn’t be more delighted to grace the pages of this fantastic publication. They spoke to our gourmet breakfast service and called to the array of lodging options we offer—from multi-room suites for family and pet-friendly getaways to romantic rooms for two; we have something for any vacation. We also pride ourselves on our kind and welcoming service; our innkeepers are available 24/7 to ensure you have everything you need for your stay.
Join us in the San Juan Islands and book your next stay today!
