Location

Located southwest of Olympia in the Black Hills of Grays Harbor and Thurston counties, the 110,000-acre Capitol State Forest is both a timber-producing forest and a popular recreation destination. Like many of the forests DNR manages, the lands in Capitol State Forest are trust lands managed to provide sustainable revenue in support of schools, state universities and local county public services.

MedWAR NW 2020 return to the Fall Creek Trailhead near the east side of the park, easily accessible from I-5.

46.942784, -123.128643

 

driving directions

From I-5 SB (Seattle): Follow I-5 S to the US-101 N/Black Lake Blvd SW exit, then head West on US-101 N for 1.3 miles, to Black Lake Blvd. Continue south on Black Lake Blvd SW for 3.6 miles, continue onto 62nd Ave SW for 0.7 miles, then turn left on Delphi Rd SW heading South for another 2.2 miles. Continue south by taking a right on to Waddell Creek Road for 2.7 miles. 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.

From I-5 NB (Portland): From Exit 95, head west on WA-121 S/Maytown Rd SW. Continue on Maytown Rd SW for 2.9 miles then continue on 128th Ave SW for another 0.8 miles. Turn right on Waddell Creek Rd SW for 4.1 miles then turn 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.

Accommodations

Racers are responsible for their own accommodations. Several campgrounds are available in Capitol State Forest including Fall Creek Campground which is located closest to the race start.

Fall Creek Campsites are available at no charge however donation of supplies to the park are recommended. Details below:

  • First come, first served.

  • Drive-in campsites.

  • Picnic tables, metal fire rings, hand pumped water, toilet on premises.

  • No showers, potable water, hook-ups, or garbage service.

  • Dogs are allowed in Capitol Forest but must be kept on leash.

  • Enjoy a campfire in approved fire pits in designated campgrounds only. Always check for burn restrictions before lighting a campfire. Please purchase firewood near your campsite to protect the forest from invasive species.

More information about camping at www.dnr.wa.gov/Capitol. Several hotels also surround the park in the greater Olympia area.