Enjoy A Long Walk At This Underrated State Forest In Washington

I can't tell you how often I've been chatting with another Washingtonian about their recent foray in the Pickets only to discover that they've never heard of Capitol State Forest. With so many jaw-dropping outdoor destinations, we Washingtonians can occasionally forget to investigate what's hidden in our backyards. Comprising over 100,000 acres in Olympia, Capitol State Forest is perhaps one of Washington's most underrated parks.

It's time this remarkable Evergreen State spot got the appreciation it deserves.

Indigenous nations, including the Nisqually and Squaxin, managed the land long before the arrival of Olympia's first settlers. The initial European communities in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties quickly realized the value of what would become Capitol forest— its beauty and its timber.

By 1870, the forest had been divvied up among ambitious local businessmen. In an unexpected turn of history, a utopian society hailing from Brooklyn, New York, took up residence in the woods in 1880. Despite this community's romantic vision, the hills were logged repeatedly until the 1930s.

By 1933, the area was severely degraded. In the hopes of conserving what remained, the state began buying up parcels of land, amassing the acreage that would officially become the Capitol Forest in 1955.

Today, Capitol Forest is a mosaic of local history. From abandoned logging towns to a mysterious population of carved gnomes, it's utterly unique.

Accessible in all seasons, the forest is a fantastic place to break in your new hiking gear. Criss-crossed with trails and facilities that are cooperatively managed by various recreational user groups, it's become a beloved gathering place for Washingtonians who give it its due.

It's also home to the Mima Mounds, one of Washington's most mysterious geological features. This one-of-a-kind spot is one of our state's last-remaining prairies, a vibrant and crucial habitat that has been all but erased.

Protecting the Capitol State Forest has allowed these unique biomes to flourish. And when the land is healthy, it can provide a home to dense wildlife populations. Cougars, bears, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and even a resident elk herd all thrive in the forest.

This incredible Washington spot may not be a national destination, but that doesn't make it any less of a local treasure.

There's no doubt about it: Capitol State Forest is one of Washington's most underrated parks. Not only is this Northwest gem permeated by history, but it also provides a much-needed refuge to Evergreen State wildlife. Through community cooperation, this spot has become a sanctuary of adventure and serenity. With all our stewardship, it can flourish for years to come.