Equestrian Guide to Capitol Forest
Capitol State Forest is just a hop, skip and jump (trot, canter and gallop) from Olympia and home to over 110,000-acres of working forestlands and opportunity for adventuring forth on horseback.
Load up and haul into horse-friendly campgrounds, such as the Margaret McKenny or Fall Creek Campgrounds. These unique campsites offer corrals, hitching posts, restrooms, and access to equestrian riding trails (aka hiking trails open to horses, and NOT to motorized vehicles.)
Fall Creek Campground and Trailhead
This campground is a favorite among local equestrian groups. The trailhead provides access to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities. Fall Creek Campground has eight campsites, a horse corral and a restroom. Be sure to check the Capitol Forest event schedule above for events that could impact campground availability. Check out the Fall Creek Trail System map, here. The campground is open on a first-come, first-serve basis through Oct. 5.
Directions: From Waddell Creek Road continue west on Sherman Valley Road. At the intersection of Noschka Road go west on C-Line Road 3.3 miles. Turn left on C-6000 Road and go south 2.5 miles. Trailhead is on right.
Margaret McKenny Campground and Trailhead
Margaret McKenny is also an equestrian campground offering horse corrals. The campground has 24 sites, three toilets, and a camp host site with a shelter. Trailhead provides access to non-motorized trails in Capitol State Forest. All sites are on a first-come-first-served basis and stays are limited to 7 days per calendar year. Campers are required to register on-site.
Directions: Continue on Waddell Creek Road from Mima Mound Natural Area entrance for 1.6 miles. Turn left. Go .2 miles to site.
Mima Falls Trailhead
This equestrian trailhead has a horse ramp and ample room for horse trailers. The trailhead permits access to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers access to Capitol State Forest non-motorized trails. Find a map of the Mima Falls trail system here.
Directions: Start in Littlerock. Go west for .8 miles. Turn left on Mima Road. Go 1.3 miles. Turn right on Bordeaux Road. Go .7 miles. Turn right on Marksman Road. Go .9 miles. Turn left. Go .2 miles to site.