Go For a Summer Motorbike or ATV Ride at Rock Candy in Thurston County’s Capitol Forest

On the southwestern side of Thurston County, the Capitol State Forest offers motorbike and ATV riders opportunities to give it their all and ride at Rock Candy. Off-road vehicle riders can enjoy the trails at Rock Candy from May 1 to November 30, so it’s a perfect place for a summer ride with summit views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

*By Krysta Carper, originally published on South Sound Talk 08/12/22

Capitol State Forest

As a multi-use area, Capitol State Forest is a place where outdoor enthusiasts of all types delight in the Pacific Northwest’s wilds. Hikers, mountain bikers, motorized vehicles and equestrians appreciate this massive outdoor playground with 100,000 acres of forests, trails, hills and mountains. With around 100 miles of trails for motorized use, Capitol Forest offers those with a need for speed routes with dirt, trees, climbs and more for hours of fun on ATVs and dirt bikes. Just a quick drive from Tacoma and in the timber-producing working forest of the Black Hills, Capitol Forest is a popular recreation destination with access to countless trail systems, day-use areas, campgrounds and more.

Rock Candy Trailhead

The trails at Rock Candy are primarily for off-road vehicles and mountain bike riders, but hikers also use them. There are restrooms at the trailhead and ample paved parking, all you need is a Discover Pass at $11.50 for day-use or $35 for an annual pass. Be sure to look at the information board at the trailhead for any alerts or notices for the area.

Beyond the trailhead, find groomed logging roads to more uneven and rocky terrain for endless fun on two wheels or four! The trail weaves around Rock Candy Mountain to an open summit and on a clear summer day, find views of the state’s majestic mountains, the south saltwater inlets of Puget Sound and if conditions are right, downtown Seattle.

Dirt bike riding along the Rock Candy trail where there are numerous signs to keep you oriented.
Find numerous signs along the Rock Candy trail to help keep you oriented on the ride. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

Riding at Rock Candy

As the third highest named mountain in the Black Hills and the fifth highest named peak in Thurston County, Rock Candy Mountain looms at 2,356 feet. This oasis for riders offers endless miles of offroad trails varying from narrow to vast, open stretches where the forest is logged, bridge crossings and, of course, rocks! Additionally, find a mix of difficulties for both advanced and beginning riders.

Start the loop at the parking lot and follow the North Rim Trail into the forest. At the junction with the Rock Candy Mountain Trail, turn right to the steep switchbacks up Rock Candy Mountain. At the highest point on the loop on Army Road, be sure to take a moment to stop and enjoy the stunning open views before jumping back on and into the shelter of the woods again to descend back to the parking area.

Not ready to head home yet? Other ATV and dirt bike trails nearby include B-Line, Divide Trail North, Larch Mountain and Waddell Basin to make a day of the ride.

A map of the ATV and Motorbike trails along Rock Candy Trail in the Capitol State Forest
ATV/Motorbike trails are marked in red. Photo courtesy: Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Tips for Riding at Rock Candy

  • Be alert for other road users, from heavy vehicles to bicycle riders and hikers, so check your speed accordingly.
  • Off-road vehicle riders can enjoy Capitol State Forest trails from May 1 to November 30.
  • Don’t forget your Discover Pass.
  • Cell service is spotty in the area, so be sure to let someone know where you are going to ride and download the map before heading out. Motorbike and ATV trails are marked in red.
  • Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace to keep the area clean and enjoyable for everyone, including the local wildlife.
  • Do not ride in streams or on road berms.
  • A U.S. Forest-approved spark arrestor and a vehicle license or ORV permit tag are required for all off-road vehicles.
  • Be sure to check the Department of Natural Resources website for any recreation alerts.
The trails at Rock Candy are just a short drive from Tacoma, Washington.
Skip the long car ride and hit the trails at Rock Candy just a short drive from Tacoma. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

Make sure to follow DNR rules when it comes to right-of-way yielding when sharing the trail with other users:

  • Horseback riders or people with pack stock always have the right-of-way.
  • Hikers yield to horseback riders.
  • Mountain bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders.
  • Off-road-vehicle riders yield to all traffic.
  • Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic (yielding rules may vary by landscapes).

Extend the Rock Candy Fun

For a multi-day riding adventure, consider camping at Porter Creek Campground near Elma. This free camping area offers 16 sites with access to all ATV and dirt bike trails in Capitol Forest, including Rock Candy. As a popular area for day-use also, Porter Creek is surrounded by large trees, with shade from the summer’s heat. Open seasonally, this campground provides entry to seemingly endless acres of forest land to the east into Thurston County.

A dirt bike preparing to cross a bridge on the Rock Candy trail in the Capitol State Forest.
The variety at Rock Candy in the Capitol Forest gives experienced trail riders a chance to ride on more technical trails as well as places for beginners looking for some fun. Photo courtesy: NorthAmericaTalk

How to Get to Rock Candy

From I-5 in Olympia, exit onto U.S. Highway 101 north. After six miles, merge onto U.S. Highway 8 for another 4.7 miles to the Rock Candy Mountain Road entrance of the Capitol Forest. Turn left on B-line Road and proceed to the trailhead.

The hills are full of adventure, so get out there! Ramp up this summer’s fun factor and take an ATV or dirt bike ride up Rock Candy Mountain in the Capitol Forest.