The Olympia Traverse starts in Capitol Forest-a working forest of public lands within 20 miles of the downtown Olympia area.

Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF)is a local non-profit and is one of our Top Picks.  The trail system in Capitol is fantastic and the condition of most of the green trails (non-motorized) is outstanding.   This is due to the work of volunteers who love the forest and love to ride and run on these trails.

A grassroots non-profit in the truest sense, FOCF was started by 2 guys passionate about mountain biking and concerned for the trails.  Now if you want to learn the trails or ride with great group of folks FOCF is one of your best starting points- there are regular rides happening on many days each week year round, combined with opportunities to socialize.  Trail maintenance and forest stewardship are core values of the group, along with fun!  FOCF sponsors and supports activities in the forest including bike and run races, as well as the Traverse.  Weekly trail work and maintenance parties don’t feel like work at all and usually finish with a ride…

Pictures from last week’s Thursday night work party:

Todd Elsworth

As Executive Director of Recreation Northwest, Todd Elsworth promotes outdoor recreation and brings community together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play. His decades of extensive event production, marketing and writing experience propel this passion. You might bump into him and his daughter Violet while they’re biking, hiking, paddling or skiing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.