The burgeoning popularity of e-bikes isn’t just about embracing the latest outdoor trend—it’s about enhancing outdoor exploration while promoting fitness and enjoying local hospitality, particularly at Capitol State Forest’s North Slope.
Ryan McCord, president of Friends of Capitol Forest, a nonprofit supporting the forest, extols the virtues of e-biking, especially during this season: “With e-biking, you can cover extensive distances, making it ideal for this time of year.”
For retirees like Jay and Lori Barney from Tumwater, e-bikes offer a new lease on biking. Jay suggests that traditional cyclists should consider trying e-bikes, particularly for maintaining fitness. Lori adds, “E-bikes keep the older generation cycling longer, overcoming physical challenges that might otherwise limit us. We can now enjoy longer rides than with traditional bikes.”
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Capitol State Forest spans 110,000 acres in the Black Hills southwest of Olympia. According to the Friends of Capitol Forest website, the North Slope boasts designated e-bike trails, a rare feature in DNR-managed non-motorized trail systems. E-bikes are permitted on motorized trails alongside dirt bikes and ATVs, but non-motorized shared-use trails, including those in the Fall Creek area, are off-limits to e-bikes except with a disabled placard.
Ryan McCord recommends using Trailforks’ e-biking trails map for navigating the North Slope. Among the trails, “Slick Jimmy” stands out as a challenging route designed for e-bike enthusiasts. Constructed by volunteers like Cam Sloan, who is launching Big Stump Bikes in West Olympia in July 2024, Slick Jimmy descends 1,800 feet, featuring steep turns and varying terrain that promise an exhilarating ride. Cam explains, “The approval for DNR to install this double black level trail during the pandemic was a game changer for e-bike enthusiasts seeking legal, stress-free riding opportunities.”
For less experienced riders, Ryan suggests starting with the “Livin’ the Dream” trail, known for its wider, flowing path and manageable berms that cater to both beginners and seasoned riders looking for a smoother ride.
Alan Paxton, manager of Trek Bicycle Olympia West, highlights the North Slope’s popularity among Thurston County residents and beyond, noting its accessibility—a mere half-hour drive from Olympia via I-5 and Highway 101.
E-bikes, classified by motor assistance levels, offer a boon to outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those needing assistance with hills or longer rides. Cam Sloan underscores the versatility of e-bikes, explaining, “It allows you to tailor your effort level, amplifying your own exertion.”
Jay and Lori Barney, who adopted e-bikes after a transformative vacation in France, attest to the bikes’ benefits. Despite challenges with traditional bikes due to back and hip issues, respectively, they now comfortably tackle 30-mile rides on their e-bikes. “They’re a real game changer,” says Lori. “They provide a great workout, with the comfort of knowing you have that assistance if needed,” adds Jay.
When it comes to hospitality, West Olympia offers a range of dining and lodging options for e-bikers exploring the area. Highway 101 provides convenient access to Vic’s Pizzeria, Headless Mumby Brewing Company, and the Skep and Skein Tavern—a favorite spot offering meads, ales, and microbrews, allowing patrons to bring their own food.
For overnight stays, options abound at Fall Creek Campground and Trailhead, Margaret McKenny Campground and Trailhead, as well as accommodations like The Marie Bed & Breakfast and Swantown Inn, which also rents e-bikes.