We arrived at the trailhead at approximately 8 am and only one other vehicle was in the upper lot by the shelter.  We had intended to hike the 8 mile Lost Valley Loop trail counter-clockwise,but approximately 1/4 mile in, the turn to begin the trail is blocked and closed for logging operations.  Going clockwise. You can still have a lovely hike out about 4.5 miles (approx. 9 miles round trip) and the elevation gain is on this section, so a great day on the trail.

The trail is in good shape, no bugs.  

Haven't done too many hikes in Capitol Forest, though we did 'accidentally' drive through south to north 23 miles from Black Lake to Rock Candy Trailhead once. We ended up hiking with amongst many ORVs that day.

We followed the roads along Waddell Creek which were on and off paved, but passable by any vehicle. There was a ORV fun run going on, which prompted  concern about trail interactions, but we came to find motorized/electrified vehicles are prohibited. There was plenty of parking between the two lots and the facilities were stocked.

We headed out and got to the loop junction and decided to go left as it was a steeper climb and more gradual descent. It was not really steep - just the steeper option. The trail started hard packed - didn't even see horse prints in the ground. It was mostly single-track. The packed dirt was slightly slick - I lost traction numerous times. It could be an issue descending. As we got out into the logged area, we imagined there would be a nice view of the valley below and the forested hills across the way. It was cloudy, so our views were obscured.

By 2.4 miles, we had climbed as high as we would get on the McKenny trail and crossed onto the Lost Valley Trail, which was basically downhill for the last 6.1 miles going in and out of the forest. 

The last 2.5 miles was pretty narrow at times, my legs got wet from foliage overtaking the trail. This portion was also muddier, though nothing deeper than a couple inches. Skunk cabbage flanked the trail along this section. We could see more hoof and bicycle tracks. In fact, we crossed paths with 6 bikers along this segment. We stepped out of the way as it was more convenient. Interestingly, the bikers and 4 hikers we met today were all going CCW around the loop (if they were, indeed going around said loop.)

Overall a pleasant hike, aside from the distant gunfire. Lots of variety of flora in the logged areas with new trees establishing their space.

Hiked this loop starting about 1pm and ending at 5pm.  I followed the trail guide and took the McKenny trail out of the trailhead, then right on the Lost Valley Trail (not listed in the WTA drop down menu?), around the ridge to Mima Falls Tr, then back via the McKenny.  The guide mentions the two options on the Lost Valley Trl where it branches, but both sides take you along the trail - that's a hard turn left (switchback) to stay in the woods or there's a sign now if you go straight to a "Maintenance trail / access to D4720".  They do both meet again (where the trail crosses D4720) but figured I'd mention it and include a picture of that junction.  Also, I thought I'd be next to Sherman Creek for a few miles - you aren't, you gain elevation immediately after crossing the bridge from the trailhead and after that you can hear it and get a few peekaboo looks but that's it.  Also there are signs for timber auctions (two areas), so keep in mind at some point portions of this loop won't be accessible.   It's a nice loop, but not too many distant views and almost no wildlife.

It's a beautiful Friday September day and the temp is in the 60s and with the shade, it is just a little too cool without a jacket. But I resist the urge to put on a coat knowing that I will warm up soon enough following my adult son at a brisk pace up the hill.

I'm a little confused because the name of this trail on WTA is the Sherman Creek Loop Trail, but I don't see any signs referring to that name. Not on the marque at the parking lot nor on any of the sign posts leading up to or along the trail. Instead, it is called the Fall Creek Trailhead and the McKenny trail and eventually the Lost Valley Trail. Without any signs referring to the Sherman Creek Loop, I'm left guessing which of the many trail they have might be the one we are looking. I add up the mileage on the map and feel pretty confident that the McKenny Trail to Lost Valley is the most likely candidate for our hike.

It was a beautiful hike with about about 1500 feet of elevation gain up and down over the course of the 8+ mile course. My GPS enabled watch clocked us at 9.3 miles beginning at the parking lot. Even in this almost fall weather, there were still many flowers to enjoy like selfheal, owl clover, many DYCs, Oregon grape, elderberry, etc.

I don't think I would like to hike this in the spring because I'm pretty sure the many creeks and wet areas are the home of skeeters and other pests. But in this almost fall weather, it was a delight. The trail is well maintained with many solid bridges across streams. Lot's of shade and a delight.

     This was my first hike in Capitol State Forest outside of Mima Falls and Rock Candy Mountain. Those two are just so easy to access and so enjoyable that I find myself going back again and again for the routine and simplicity  (and because you can get great views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens from both). But I figured it was time to start exploring more of the forest, so today I ventured in to the Fall Creek Trailhead to do what WTA calls the Sherman Creek Loop. 

     I entered Capitol State Forest from Waddell Creek Road, though there was construction blocking the road that I luckily was able to bypass due to good timing and some friendly construction workers who let me scoot around. On the way back, I had to go the long way around and out Littlerock Road, so check the road status before you start driving.

     After entering the forest, there is about 20 minutes of driving on dirt/gravel roads before you reach the Fall Creek Trailhead, right past the entrance to the Fall Creek Campground. The lot is huge, with pit toilets and a shelter compound that has tables, a fire pit, and even a concrete ping pong table. There are two trail map stations, and the back side of the one by the shelter has a really cool photo series about the construction of the shelter in 2020.

     Access to all trailheads can be found by parking in the lot on the left (opposite from the shelter lot) and taking the "All Trails" path to the left of the information kiosk. You begin on the McKenny Tail and cross the creek, then come to a junction with the Lost Valley Trail. I went to the right and did the loop counter-clockwise. There are half-mile markers along the entire trail which was nice for judging distance.

     Overall, I thought this 8-mile loop was a good distance hike with some nice open clearcut/meadow views. However, I don't think I'll be making the longer trek out here all that often. The first few miles of this trail was very close in, with dense vegetation and a sort of claustrophobic feel at points. As it was close to the water, there were a ton of gnats, mosquitos, and flies dining on the deposits of the several horses I ran into. I am very thankful that I brought along my bug spray, as it was definitely needed today! About the time that you turn the corner of the Lost Valley Trail, the elevation gains, the trail opens up, and the bugs are not quite so bad. I definitely enjoyed the second half of this hike more.

     There are several open clearcut areas with tons of wildflowers and nice views of the surrounding hills (while you do get a clear look at Capitol Peak, I never could spy Mt. Rainier...sigh). Once you join again with the McKenny Trail, the route just goes down, down, down until you come back to the initial intersection with the Lost Valley Trail.

     Overall, this is a decent hike for those looking for a longer leg-stretcher within Capitol State Forest. Oh, and one great thing about today - there was not a single gunshot to be heard! For those who hike frequently here, you know what an amazing thing that is.     :)

     Happy Trails!