Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Hiking Guide Capitol State Forest - Capitol Peak
link

Capitol State Forest - Capitol Peak

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
46.9731, -123.1380 Map & Directions
Length
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
2,659 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate/Hard
  • Mountain views
  • Summits

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Discover Pass
Saved to My Backpack

There are many different trails that lead to the Capitol Peak in the Capitol State Forest. Continue reading

Rating
3.38 out of 5

(8 votes) Log in to rate

Hiking Capitol State Forest - Capitol Peak

Capitol State Forest is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for many different activities. Motorized vehicles are allowed on certain trails here, as well as mountain bikers and horseback riders. Some trails are shared between user groups, while others are restricted to just one or a few. On any given year there may be some active logging happening as well. A map and the most up-to-date trail conditions from DNR will be indispensable in planning a route and knowing which trails are best for you. 

Generally the north of the forest is more for motorized use, whereas the southern half of the forest has trails for mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Capitol Peak is in the middle, so you'll probably approach from the south. 

There are multiple entrances and access points and a vast network of trails here, so there are many different routes to the summit. A popular and direct one is via the Sherman Road. Once you get to the top you will see several radio towers as well as sweeping views.

Capitol State Forest - Capitol Peak

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 46.9731, -123.1380 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Discover Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Capitol State Forest is just southwhest of Olympia in Thurston County. There are several different entrances and an array of different trails and routes to the summit. Plan your trip using this map from DNR

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

USGS Capitol Peak

Capitol State Forest DNR map

Capitol State Forest Recreation and Trails Map PDF: https://bit.ly/1PpWHwq

You can improve or add to this guidebook entry!

Capitol State Forest - Capitol Peak

43 Trip Reports

Hiked here recently?

Submit a trip report!
 
Trip Reports