| Capitol State Forest | |
| Map: | USA Washington#USA |
| Map Size: | 280 |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | Thurston, Washington, United States |
| Nearest City: | Tumwater, Washington |
| Area Acre: | 111,000 |
| Elevation: | 2658feet |
| Operator: | [Washington State Department of Natural Resources]] |
| Website: | Official website |
The Capitol State Forest is a 110000acres state forest in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties of the U.S. state of Washington.[1] It includes part of the unusual Mima Mounds geologic feature.
The Capitol State Forest is managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources and considered public land. It is a multi-use forest with active logging operations and is open for off-road motorcycles, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.[2]
Capitol Forest is approximately bounded by U.S. Route 12 to the southwest, Interstate 5 to the east and State Route 8 to the north. It roughly contains the Black Hills. The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is directly east and units of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, such as the Black River Wildlife Area and Glacial Heritage Wildlife Area, are to the southeast.
Cities and towns near its borders include Olympia, Tumwater, Littlerock, Oakville, and McCleary.
The forest contains the McLane Creek Nature Trail located in an eastern portion of the park. A flat, 1.1miles looping trail, with an additional 1miles extension, it contains a mix of boardwalks and natural pathways with wildlife viewing platforms. Visitors can walk to McLane Creek, the headwaters of which begin in the forest, and through wetland areas and second growth forest. Visitors can view avian wildlife such as Canadian geese, kingfishers, and mallards and the creek is host to migrating Chum salmon, usually in December.[3]