Chintimini Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Hike through the big trees, lush forest of Marys Peak.
Marys Peak is the highest point in the Oregon Coast range at 4097 ft. The cache is located midway along the Tie Trail in the Marys Peak recreation area. There are three possible routes to the cache:
1) Easy: A 3.2 mile loop from the summit view parking area, terrain rating =3. A Northwest forest pass is required to park here(you can purchase this on site), and the road to this starting point is closed from 12/1-4/1. Take highway 34 west of Philomath to Marys Peak Rd. Follow Marys Peak road 10 miles to the summit view parking area. Begin your hike by taking the East Ridge Trail downhill 1 mile, then take a left on the Tie Trail. After finding the cache at the halfway point, continue north along the Tie Trail and then take a left on the North Ridge Trail to return to the parking lot. Note: This is a hiking only route. Bikes are not allowed on the upper section of the East Ridge trail.
2) Medium: A 4 mile RT out and back hike or bike from Conner's Camp, terrain rating =3.5. A NW forest pass is required to park here as well( you can purchase on site). The trailhead parking is accessible year-round. Take highway 34 west of Philomath to Marys Peak Rd. You will reach the Conner's Camp parking area in 5 miles. Hike the East Ridge Trail north 1.5 miles to the Tie Trail(right fork)and go 1/2 mile to find the cache. Note: Bike this only if you are an experienced mountain biker.
3) Hard: A 6.5 mile RT out and back hike or bike on the North Ridge Trail, terrain rating =4. A NW forest pass is NOT NEEDED to park here, and the trailhead is accessible year round. This is also a very good area in the fall for collecting mushrooms. Chanterelles abound, and I have also collected hedgehogs, shaggy manes, boletes, lobsters and oysters in this vicinity. Take highway 20 west of Philomath and take a left on Woods Creek Rd. Follow it 7 miles to gate. The North Ridge trailhead is just beyond the gate. Hike the Northridge Trail south for a vigorous 2.8 miles uphill to the Tie Trail(go left at fork). Note: Bike this only if you are an experienced mountain biker.
I did receive permission from the Siuslaw National Forest for placing this cache. The treasure is an ammo can. It is located only 2 steps from the trail, please do not trample the vegetation. The gps reception may be terrible, so use the force and the hint if necessary.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Svaq gur ynetr zbffl obhyqre gung cebgehqrf bagb gur genvy. Ybbx haqrearngu ba hcuvyy fvqr bs obhyqre.