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Capitol State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,836 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 150 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Capitol State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Working forest & recreation area for camping, hiking, hunting, horse-riding & off-road vehicles.
What runners say about Capitol State Forest
“Excellent place to get out into the mountains and forest, with convenient access to the highway and well maintained gravel roads throughout the forest.”
“Makes it easy to visit at different times of the year…you can drive through the park and get some great views of the Forest.”
I've always enjoy camping in Capitol forest. I was surprised to see a majority of the trees around the campsite removed. Its always clean. I camped at Margaret at C2 for the first time. My 6 × 8 awning and room fits perfectly. Neighbors are far enough away to not disturb me.
Excellent place to get out into the mountains and forest, with convenient access to the highway and well maintained gravel roads throughout the forest. There are some spectacular views to be had of the Olympics and area Volcanos on clear days.
Had a great time on a very well kept (that is for a dirt bike trail!) trail system. Extensive trail system only got to a few; rock candy, Waddell basin West, twin peaks, and Divide North. Parking lot has honey buckets and lots of space for trailers.
I enjoyed hiking with my kids and our dog. We hiked to the top of one of the peaks and enjoyed the amazing view. Be careful, though, as my son was bit by a deer tick. Next time, we will be sure to bring some tick repellent. We also plan to bring our quads and dirt bikes to ride on the numerous atv trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Makes it easy to visit at different times of the year…you can drive through the park and get some great views of the Forest.”
“Excellent place to get out into the mountains and forest, with convenient access to the highway and well maintained gravel roads throughout the forest.”
“I love the beauty, fresh air, letting the dog run like crazy and being with the one I love in my favorite place, the forest?”
“This was an amazing hike, we actually back packed and made the whole loop.”
“I must admit that night time can be a little scary if your alone but it's safe.”
“Parking lot has honey buckets and lots of space for trailers.”
Plan your run at Capitol State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance150 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.wa.gov
- Phone+1 360-825-1631
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Olympia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Grass Lake Nature Park
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