Capitol State Forest - McLane Creek

Olympic Peninsula

updated 3 months ago

The McLane Creek trail area is generally accessible, though some viewing platforms and bridges have experienced temporary closures due to storm damage. As of June 19, the small bridge over McLane Creek was open. This trail offers year-round attractions, including the possibility of seeing mushrooms, wildflowers, birds, and salmon in the creek, though the salmon viewing season is primarily. Large, old-growth tree stumps are a notable feature. Parking may require a Discover Pass, and cell service is unreliable for purchasing one on-site, as noted in January 9.

Generated from 10 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Capitol State Forest - McLane Creek

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 3 months, so everything below is at least that old.

As of June 19, the small bridge over McLane Creek was open. However, in January 9, two trails to the stream were closed, and in January 14, the two short trails to the large viewing platform and the viewing bridge were also closed, potentially due to storm damage. It is advisable to check for current conditions closer to your visit.

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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.

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Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

Mostly shady in hot weather. Some lookout spots are in the sun. Great today when temperatures were in the 80's. Then we went to Dough Zone.  :-)From University Place (Tacoma) we love hikes south!Great...

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

This has been a favorite hike of mine if I need something short and close. Dogs love it. Really great salmon viewing in the fall

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

The trail was clear and dry. Lots of downed trees that had been cleared from the trail.

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

For our first meander of the year we walked the Pond Loop Trail clockwise and took the short trails off the main trail. The two short trails to the large viewing platform and the viewing bridge werecl...

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

Buy your discover pass ahead of time or just risk it like we did. There's no way to pay for a pass when you get there because there's no cell service and no pay box. My Discover Pass was in the other ...

Olympic Peninsula

We took advantage of the sun and 60's to start the hiking season off with a lunchtime stroll at McLane Creek Nature Trail, SW of Olympia. There were 11 vehicles at the main trailhead (3 at the "Forest...

Olympic Peninsula

This was our first meander since Bob had a pacemaker implanted 2 weeks ago. I am happy to say he did very well. Our oldest son, Dave, who lives in the Boston area and our youngest son, Bob, and his wi...

Olympic Peninsula

After walking the short loop trail at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, we drove to McLane Creek which is 10 minutes from Tumwater Falls. When we were at McLane Creek on 11-7, we talked to a local man w...

Olympic Peninsula

When we arrived at the overflowing lower parking lot, someone was just leaving so we took their spot. There was a noisy group of about 20  which included mothers, babies, toddlers and a few young scho...

Olympic Peninsula

Easy, nice, Ducks!