In the late nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century,
Lake Ozette boasted in excess of fifty homesteads. They completely
surrounded the lake. Most are only accessable via boat but a few,
such as this one, can be reached by road and a short cross country
hike. Another nearby cache, "Roose Homestead" is accessable by a 2
mile hike.
The Nylund family was prominent in the area through the 1930's
and lived in a large two story house that's no longer standing but
was SW of this site. It was torn down and the homestead is grown
over with Salmon berry vines. All that could be located on a recent
visit was a firepit and the grave but the original home is well
documented. More on the lake
history.
This virtual cache is located at the gravesite. There are
actually two graves, father and son enclosed by a well maintained
picket fence. See picture. It's located in mature forest with some
wonderful old growth stumps nearby. Steps are cut in the side that
demonstrate how logging occurred of yesteryear. One nice one is to
the east about 60 yards.
The cache can be reached by hiking a short distance from Lake
Ozette Ranger Station. The last 200 yards will be cross-country in
the forest and GPS coverage will be problematic. This last portion
would be called an easy bushwhack. The grave is marked on the TOPO
map but remember that TOPOZONE uses NAD27.
Since this is a virtual cache (mandated since its in a National
Park) email me the year that the younger person died and this will
allow your log to remain. Otherwise, I will delete it after seven
days.
Please be respectful of the site and keep it clean. Descendants
of the Nyland family still live in the area and would appreciate
it.
While visiting, a hike to the coast or a boat trip down misty
Lake Ozette won't disappoint. Contact me if you're interested in
further history of the area.
