Capitol State Forest (Mima Falls / Margaret McKenny)
WA · Olympia / Black Hills
Marksman St SW
Capitol State Forest is one of the most useful and substantial horse destinations in western Washington. This is not manicured park riding—it is a big, working forest with genuine depth, changing light, long trail choices, and enough room to build a completely different ride each visit. The terrain feels practical, earthy, and satisfyingly real.
Riding guide
Highlights
A true working-forest horse destination with real mileage, serious staging, and the kind of flexible western-Washington trail depth riders return to again and again.
Riding
With 150 miles of trail in the broader forest and multiple equestrian-friendly access points, Capitol can support everything from a relaxed conditioning day to a full weekend of varied mileage. It rewards riders who enjoy route planning and repeat visits.
Rideable terrain
150 miles
Trailer parking
Mima Falls Trailhead has a horse ramp and room for trailers; Margaret McKenny Campground adds corrals and larger equestrian camping support.
Horse regulations
Horseback riders generally use the forest's non-motorized shared-use trails in the main season, and DNR rules, seasonal closures, and active working-forest operations all matter. Expect to share space responsibly and watch for logging traffic on forest roads.
Getting here
Equestrians are not an afterthought here. Mima Falls includes a horse ramp and trailer room, while Margaret McKenny is explicitly horse-oriented with corrals and campground support. That combination makes Capitol especially appealing for riders who want both day rides and overnight utility.
Planning your visit
Always check current alerts before hauling, because closures, gates, and project work can change access. Bring the DNR trail map, plan around the May-through-November equestrian season, and come prepared for a true forest ride rather than a curated park loop.
Where to stay
Horse-camping is one of the forest's best assets. Margaret McKenny and Fall Creek are the headline names for many riders, and the atmosphere is more functional than glamorous—but in a way that feels authentic, capable, and very rider-approved.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Capitol State Forest (Mima Falls / Margaret McKenny) yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
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