 |
        |
| Home > Washington > Capitol State Forest |
Capitol State Forest
Thursday, December 12, 2024
| Other Names | Waddell Creek, Sherman Valley Road, Mount Molly, Little March Mountain, Middle Waddell Loop, Noski Creek, Camp Four Creek, Potosi Creek, Sunbeam Creek, Rock Candy Trailhead, Rock Candy Mountain, Perry Creek, Beatty Creek, Stony Creek, Swift Creek, North Rim Trail, Molly Porter Trail, Capitol Peak, Buck Ridge, North Fork Porter Creek, Swan Creek, Bozy Creek, Kennedy Creek, Capitol Forest, Capitol State Forest Trail System |
| Last Known Status | Closed For Season |
This state forest has 89 miles of trails that are open to off-road use. The northern half is set aside for ATVs and dirt bikes while the southern half is open to non-motorized use. The trails can be slippery and muddy but many sections are filled with pavers and bridge crossings. This trail system is also regularly maintained by various clubs.
Overnight parking is not permitted at the Rock Candy Staging Area but Middle Waddell Campground offers direct trail access. The campground has 24 sites, each with gravel parking, picnic table and a fire ring. A vault toilet is provided and firewood is available from the campground host for a small fee.
Visitors should note that a Washington Discover Pass is required to camp or ride and must be purchased prior to entry since there is no self pay kiosk. Both trails and Middle Waddell Campground close for the winter season beginning December through May 1.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | WA ORV Tab and Washington Discover Pass** |
| Dates Open | May 1 - November 30 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (105 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (48 inches) | has entrance gate and narrow terrain |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | (maximum width 48 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Prohibited | trails and bridges too narrow |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Some Areas | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) permitted at Middle Waddell Campground |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) permitted at Middle Waddell Campground |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | vehicles must stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement | ||
| Comment | **A Discover Pass is not required on any vehicle with a current ORV permit/tab but is required for the street-legal vehicle that is used to transport the ORV. The trailer does not need a pass. | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 110,000 acres (172 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 89 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 550 to 2000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud |  Some | |
| Dust | None | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | Some | |
| Small Jumps |  Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Few | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track |  Many | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Shade | All | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Little | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | State Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (W) | Shell (360) 495-4697 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (W) | Shell (360) 495-4697 |
 Water | On Site | Middle Waddell Campground |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Elma RV Park (360) 482-4053 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (W) | Straddleline ORV Park (360) 495-3054 |
| Campground | On Site | Middle Waddell Campground |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (W) | Gordon Select Market (360) 495-3647 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | Yes ($11.50) Washington Discover Pass Fee |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | Middle Waddell campsites are first come, first serve at no additional cost with the purchase of a Discover Pass. Discover Pass must be obtained prior to camping or riding. Cost is $11.50/day or $35/year. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Olympia, WA | ||
| Address | Waddell Creek Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512 | ||
| From: Olympia, WA
1) Take US-101 North 5.5 miles 2) Turn left (west) on SR-8, continue 4.7 miles 3) Turn left (SE) on Rock Candy Mountain Road, continue about 20 yards 4) Staging area is on the right (west). For Middle Waddell Campground: 5) Continue east on SR-8 past Rock Candy Mountain entrance about 5 miles 6) Take Exit for Shelton/Aberdeen 7) Turn right (west) onto 2nd Ave, continue .2 miles 8) Turn left (south) onto McKenzie Road, continue 1.2 miles 9) Turn right (south) onto Delphi Road, continue 5 miles 10) Turn right (west) onto Waddell Creek Road, continue 2.7 miles 11) Turn left (south) to stay on Waddell Creek Road, continue .6 miles 12) Staging area is on the right (west). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Washington DNR - South Puget Sound Region 950 Farman Avenue N Enumclaw, WA 98022 (360) 825-1631 southpuget.region@dnr.wa.gov www.dnr.wa.gov |
| Contact Info | Washington State Department of Licensing (360) 902-3770 titles@dol.wa.gov www.dol.wa.gov |
| Comment | Washington ORV Tab Info |
| Contact Info | Discover Pass Customer Service (866) 320-9933 discoverpass@dfw.wa.gov www.discoverpass.wa.gov |
| Comment | Washington Discover Pass |
Capitol State Forest Trail Photo
This trail system offers plenty of long loops to explore. Like most Washington ATV trails, this area rarely dries out.
Capitol State Forest Trail Photo
This trail system is well marked and is maintained on a regular basis by local clubs.
Capitol State Forest Trail Photo
A view of the logging roads in the area.
Capitol State Forest Trail Photo
Most of the logging roads are smooth and wide.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS