Reviewed by: Rich Miller , from Montesano, WA

Summary:
I enjoyed this loop again on Nov 2nd on a clear blue cold winter day. Elevation is 2000-2500 feet and ranges from deep forest to sub alpine on the ridge back. In Washington's Capital Forest the Green trails are open to mountian bikes, hikers and horses. The Red trails are open to dirt bikes, ATV's, and mountain bikes and an occasional lost hiker who likes two stroke smoke. I know that many of the areas riders enjoy the very fast bermed motorized trails--usually riden down hill, while others including myself would prefer skirting a few horses and their droppings. The lower trails on the green side get significant amounts of horse usage partiularly at their the Mima and Porter Creek ends. I see fewer horse sign in the higher elevations and particlulary the loop discussed here. The trails are open only to mtn bikes and hikers between Nov 1st and March 31st and the higher routes are much drier when not snow covered. The loop I described here includes some very rocky sections so I would recommend some signigicant single track trail experience before tackling it. I would be a great lower country warm up for the summer epics in the Cascades. This trail loop was in great shape and I would give it five stars within its category. In the past 30 years I have ridden all of the trails on horse, ATV and am now enjoying the best--Mountain Bike, ride on.

Recommended Route:
Park at the intersection at Capital Peak on c-4000. Head south and start down the hill on Green Line #6, take right onto the new Trail #50 (not on older maps) to cut down ridge to intersect with Mima Porter Trail #8. Go right--West on #8 to camp Widekind. Then return to Capital Peak on Green line #6 to finish what I believe is the best 2-2.5 hour loop in the Capital Forest.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Get a current map printed by the DNR from a bike shop in Olympia. Any of the Green line trails are great if you don't mind some little horse piles, less the higher you go. The Red line trails see significant motorized traffic, are fast, wide, and bermed. Both sides can have their distintive versions of mud holes to skirt during the wet season. The dry season in coastal Washington is in general from August through October, but don't leave that rain slicker at home.

Reviewed by: D MON , from OLYMPIA WARSINGTON

Summary:
That was quite a general trail listing. Id suggest getting a map . The state maps are free. (unless you go to METZGER MAPS in tacoma, which charges 4.00 fer them.)
For up to date info, or ride reccomendations visit: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/nwmudslingers

Recommended Route:
Depends on Season,Conditions,Available time, Skill, Method of transport I.E... Shuttle).

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Is there any other area?