Capitol Forest Trails

The trails in the northern half of the forest are open to ORV. The Area map shows the major roads, however the area is covered in abandoned logging roads and the forest continues to be actively logged, so a GPS is strongly suggested. Some topo maps have incorrect elevation data. The Larch Mountain-Rock Candy Mountain ridgeline is ~2300' and most of the campgrounds are 400'-600', so expect some strenuous ascents and relatively steep terrain.

The primary trails can be combined to form 40mi loop rides, but the average ride is ~15mi. North of C-Line and south of Rock Candy Mtn, the terrain is steep enough to require a road climb.

WA DNR has a very detailed map on their trail conditions page.

From the Waddell CG, the Middle Waddell Loop traverses the hill east of Sherman Valley Rd, to North Rim Tr1, with 6 road and 3 bridge crossings along the way as the trail crosses 23 hillside drainages.

North Rim Tr1 circumnavigates the northern half of Capitol Forest, from the Middle Waddell Loop and C-8200, to the B-Line Porter Creek CG. The ride can either be combined with the Rock Candy Trails, or use some double track at the northern end to connect the two sections of North Rim Tr1 singletrack. As with most of the other trails in this wet terrain, expect to cross dozens of small streams, with culverts over the larger crossings.

Rock Candy East Trail (2.4mi, 1150 ascent or 9% grade) is an easily accessible, but steep, connector from B-Line to North Rim Tr1

Mount Molly Porter Tr3 and Green Line Tr6 are the two major E-W trails, with Mima Porter Tr8 defining the southern trail system boundary. Although most riders choose the southeastern slopes, much larger loops are possible, for those with advanced climbing skills and plenty of time.

To prevent trail damage, all trails are closed to biking during the winter months, usually between November 1st and March 31st. Check the DNR site for current conditions.

Mount Molly Loop Tr40 is a common ride, ascending Sherman Valley Rd, C-Line and C-4000 to the Delphi towers, then traversing the hillside north to Mount Molly Porter Tr3 before crossing the Noski Creek headwaters and descending to the Mount Molly CG and on to the Waddell CG TH.

As an alternative, the 13mi (2900', 7% ascent) option shown on the profile map descends Mount Molly Porter Tr3 to the Bordeaux CG.

From the Mima Falls CG, the 18mi (4100', 12% ascent) CW Loop includes two steep ascents to D-4000 but is an easy access loop well suited for intermediate riders. Expect equestrian encounters on this loop ride.