Capitol Quarry Hill

Summit Elevation: 1,240 feet
Hiking Distance: Under a half mile each-way
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Prominence: 410 feet
Access: Private Property and a Kapowsin Tree Farm Permit

Capitol Quarry Hill

Rising up above the east side of Wilkeson, this hill is thought to be the remnants of an ancient river sandbar. Some of its stone is in our State Capitol buildings, a special type of sandstone that is low porosity, where water has difficulty soaking into it, making it the best for our wet climate.

The northern side of the mountain is timber production, currently owned by Manulife but managed by Hancock Timber or maybe Pope Resources, I can not tell for sure. Around two-thirds up the hillside you enter private property, owned by the owner of the Wilkeson Sandstone Quarry.

In Wilkeson, turn east of Davis Street next to the Post Office. Drive a mile or so up the hill. Although there are dozens of motorcycle trails on the north side off Wilkeson-Spiketon Road, currently signs say a permit is needed for legal access. These signs are likely new and part of the increasing permit access programs being instituted by timber investment companies. Enforcement is usually a third party, hired out by the firms. As of 2025, signs are saying Manulife is the owner and that hancockrecreation.com is to be contacted for an entry permit ($325 in 2025). Most of the motorcycle trails lead to the flatish summit. A protruding rock with a slight view seems to mark the highest point.

Manulife has been harvesting a lot of timber in the Wilkeson-Carbonado area. It is likely this area will be harvested in the next 10 years. New roads are being constructed as well off Spiketon Road, so there are plans to harvest something. For now, the motorcycle trails are the most direct route.