Capitol State Forest - Sherman Creek Loop — Thursday, Jun. 20, 2024

     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!