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Where the Green Fern Grows Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.

GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer

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Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Interstate 84 east of Portland 35 miles to Ainsworth Park exit 35 and follow old scenic highway 1.5 miles back to Horsetail Falls Trailhead parking area. Trail starts from the historic Columbia River Highway beside Horsetail Falls. After 0.2 mile turn right on Gorge Trail, passing Ponytail Falls. Continue on main trail to footbridge above Oneonta Falls. Climb to a junction with the Oneonta Trail. Cache is 30-40 feet off trail heading up mountain. Army green ammo.

The trail starts from the historic Columbia River Highway beside 176-foot Horsetail Falls and climbs along a mossy slope of little licorice ferns. In late spring tiny white candyflowers and pink geraniums crowd the path.

After 0.2 mile turn right on the Gorge Trail, which soon ducks behind 80-foot Ponytail Falls (alias Upper Horsetail Falls).
Beyond Ponytail Falls 0.4 mile take a right-hand fork for a quick viewpoint loop out to a cliff edge high above the highway. The view extends up the Columbia to Beacon Rock, but keep children away from the unfenced edge. Then continue on the main trail another 0.4 mile, switchback down to a dramatic metal footbridge above 60-foot Oneonta Falls, and climb to a junction with the Oneonta Trail.

Turn left here if you'd like to take the optional side trip up to Triple Falls and the perfect spot for lunch (the cache is not in this direction): a footbridge in a scenic creekside glen at the top of the falls. Otherwise continue the loop (towards the cache) by turning right on the Oneonta Trail. The cache is 30-40 feet off the trail heading up the mountain. You may have a weak signal for a bit down in the gorge, but it will come in fine when you are nearing the cache. You are looking for an army green ammo can that contains multiple objects. Once found, continue with the trail turning right along the road to the mouth of slot-like Oneonta Gorge. With any luck you'll be able to hang out on the creek's pebble beach here while one of your party runs up the road another 0.3 mile to fetch the car.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Bire fbzr ybtf, gura ybbx sbe n ubyybjrq bhg gerr fghzc.

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)