Measuring 110,000 acres, the Capitol State Forest is a well-known landmark for the Washington State timber industry. Home to a wealth of hiking trails, mountain biking trails and campgrounds, the forest also holds plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Choosing to live near the Capitol State Forest may be a paradise for those who want to be surrounded by the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, while also having nearby routes to the hustle and bustle of Olympia.
Real Estate Near Capitol State Forest Has Access to the Best of Thurston County
Benjamin Gaubert is a real estate broker for Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty who finds the neighborhoods surrounding Capitol State Forest well situated for homebuyers who enjoy the divide between suburban and rural.
The Capitol State Forest covers a wide area that spans both Thurston County and Grays Harbor County. According to Gaubert, the Capitol State Forest has numerous entry points, including Waddell Creek Road, which is an offshoot of the Delphi Road near West Olympia. Real estate near the Capitol State Forest includes a mix of developments, planned communities and more remote properties that allow homeowners to spread out and make greater use of their land.
Neighborhoods near Lake Lucinda and the Delphi Golf Course may be ideal for potential home buyers who are interested in a more suburban atmosphere. While providing easy passage into the Capitol State Forest, these areas offer additional ways to enjoy the outdoors, including boating and fishing on Black Lake or a day on the green at the Delphi Golf Course. Also surrounding the Capitol State Forest, nature lovers can bask in the region’s unique beauty at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and the Darlin Creek Preserve.
There are also many homes near the Capitol State Forest that offer a more rural feel and include sizable parcels of land. Gaubert says that this acreage often allows homeowners the necessary room to tailor their land to their specific interests, whether that is building a workshop or having animals, including horses.
Real Estate Expert for Olympic Sotheby’s Finds Capitol State Forest Ideal for Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a main attraction for many who visit the Capitol State Forest, including for
Gaubert who has spent ample time with friends traversing the wealth of mountain biking trails that weave throughout the forest grounds. Gaubert recommends the mountain biking trails located near the Fall Creek Campground, including the Little Larch and Wedekind Trails. Gaubert adds that the Fall Creek Campground also offers a space for rest and recreation including a gazebo and outdoor ping pong tables. Other spots for mountain biking inside the forest can be found near the Mima Falls Trailhead and Rock Candy Trailhead.
Friends of Capitol Forest is an organization that helps tend to a number of the mountain biking trails in the forest, while also hosting special events throughout the year. The Capitol State Forest is also a local choice for running enthusiasts, including the Oly Trail Runners, who host long distance running events, Capitol Peak Ultras, inside the Capitol State Forest, including an upcoming 25K and 50K race toward the forest’s Capitol Peak, scheduled for January 2025.
In addition to mountain biking, Gaubert’s clients have enjoyed a wide spectrum of outdoor recreation available through living near the Capitol State Forest, including access to marksmanship practice and pathways for all terrain vehicles. Gaubert says the forest is also a favorite for mushroom foragers, as the forest is home to popular varieties like chanterelle.
Capitol State Forest visitors can participate in target shooting at The Triangle Pit, and the Porter Creek Campground is a beloved home base for all terrain vehicle and motorcycle enthusiasts, with nearby trails that allow riders to roam the forest. The Capitol State Forest also contains trails that are geared toward horseback riding, many of which can be found near the Margaret McKenny Campground, Fall Creek Campground and Mima Falls Trailhead.
Four-legged friends may also want to experience the Capitol State Forest, with a number of hiking trails that can serve as a fun and adventurous walk for leashed pups. This includes the McLane Creek Nature Trail which measures a mile and a half in length and offers stunning, deep forest scenery. This trail may also be a wonderland for birding enthusiasts, with multiple wooden docks and benches that allow visitors to relax and watch the many splashing ducks who inhabit Beaver Pond. Other trails that are ideal for hiking can be found near the Fall Creek Trailhead, Mima Falls Trailhead and Rock Candy Trailhead.
To learn more about real estate and homes for sale near the Capitol State Forest, visit the Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty website.
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