Skip to content

Mount Butler LOT Traditional Cache

Hidden : 4/18/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

Follow the long abandoned trail up Mt Butler to the lookout site. The trail while abandoned since the 1960's is fairly easy to follow once you get to the area that has not been disturbed by road building and logging. Just keep a sharp eye out at each of the switchbacks which are numerous. See attached topo map for approximate trail route up the mountain. This route is the ONLY one up the mountain without climbing gear.


If you attempt this cache you better have good forest maps, woods skills and common sense and know how to use them! Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. This area is very remote and help will be a long way off. Cell reception is good once you get up high. This cache is a challenge so know your limits and do not go unprepared! I studied my old and new maps and it took me 2 attempts to locate the route up. There are no maps that I know of that show the actual trail up Mt Butler so use my attached GPS route photo.

There is some flagging on the trail. Where it leaves the "campsite" at the road junction watch for flagging through the trees that will lead you to the undisturbed trail section going up the ridge. Do not attempt this if it is raining. The roads in are often blocked by landslides. A 4wd or vehicle with decent clearance is a must. We turned around at .40 from the trail start due to the washed out road...it is better to park in a spot that is easily driven out of and walk than to drive in as far as possible and try to deal with a dicey drive out after the climb to the lookout site!

  The final 25 foot scramble up the rocks to the lookout site is the reason for the 4.5 terrain. We used the old lookout tie down cables to negotiate the last climb to the top.  Be VERY careful one misstep and it would be a long way to the bottom. This cache is not reccomended for children or dogs that run aimlessly. My pups are very cliff savy and I was worried about them at times. 

The views are stunning with great vistas of the ocean and sweeping panoramas of the coast range.  I do not expect many finds of this cache but the ones that do please write descriptive logs as I am sure your adventure will be an interesting read and will help future travelers in their attempt to summit Mt Butler!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

haqre fghagrq cvar whfg yrsg bs fgrcf

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)