This cache is a medium sized, clear lock and lock plastic container with room for trader bugs or coins. It is hidden at the base of what we thought was the ugliest and loneliest tree on the bluff.
The hike should be completed on a clear day to maximize the view of the four peaks - Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. We also could clearly see beautiful Council Lake, the forested rolling foothills, a hoodoo rock formation, and took numerous panoramic photos of the stellar view of the peaks. This would also be an interesting site to watch the sunset, stars or sunrise and spend the night if well prepared.
The trail head is at 4,274 feet in elevation and goes to an elevation of 5,186 feet in the one and a half miles to the top of the bluff. Follow Boundary Trail #1 from the Council Lake campground. This was originally a road but now is a wide steep trail with deep ruts at times. It can be accessed by off road motorcycle, horses, mountain bike or on foot (but no quads). About 3/4 of the way up, look for a small trail off to the right. It leads to a fabulous lookout and photo op of Mt. Adams. As you near the top of the hill, the 'trail' widens and you will see another trail off to the right with a makeshift gate. This is the way to the bluff. The trail narrows and provides views as the trees thin. We hiked from the trailhead to the bluff at a leisurely pace and it took us about an hour.
Since it is 32 miles off Highway 12, you may decide to camp. There are several campgrounds within two or three miles, all with lakes in the foothills of Mt. Adams. None have running water, but all have pit toilet(s), fire rings, and are free. We stayed at Council Lake campground and took the hike in the morning to avoid the hot afternoon July sun.
In 1932 the Forest Service built a fire lookout on top of Council Bluff. The structure was removed in the 1960s. Read more here: http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/travel-ta-gifford-pinchot-national-forest-hiking-washington-sidwcmdev_066782.html#ixzz2ZvnDNhgD
This is the first cache that we placed together. We both felt that this place needed a cache. The bluff is a destination that more people should enjoy and we wanted to share our find with others. The wildflowers were in bloom in mid July all along the trail. We also found two of the three other caches that are located a short drive away.
Check out the photos to see why we named it "Behold the view of Council Bluff". If inclined, say a prayer of thanks at the bluff for the view like we did.
Congratulations to SMuddT for the FTF!