For the serious ATV fan, Capitol State Forest is the biggest DNR managed land area in Washington State. There are a total of 91,650 acres of what is called "working forest" under their watch. The DNR very solemnly optimizes all aspects of this trust. In order to make conditions nearly perfect for ATVers and other OHVers all roads in the Yacolt Burn State Forest and Jones Creek trail area are closed for ATV/OHV use and will reopen, this year, May 1.
This is to maintain trails, and to prevent erosion. Much of the under soil in the area is clay and during winter rains the under soil cannot absorb the total waterfall. If trails were left open for ATV use they would soon be rutted beyond safe use levels, and water runoff would rut them further. The DNR would be forced to close some of them permanently. Also, at this time the DNR and volunteer groups, including ATV groups and clubs sign up to do trail work, and work on some of the facilities provided, such as picnic and camp areas. This makes a great time for all when the trails reopen.
For any ATVer who wants to hike the area and get the lay of the land in off-season, the park is open for non-ATV/ORV use. Any ungated forest road is open to the public. This is really a nice way to set up trips to the forest. An ATVer can plan the total ride by checking length, elevation, stops, and what might be needed to be brought along in season.
