Lookout Hill Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Placed with the help of axx300.
Located in the Sheyenne National Grasslands, this hill used to have a fire lookout tower. Only the tower footings remain, but it is easy to see why this hill was chosen: it is right on the southern edge of the Sheyenne River sandhills and is one of the highest hills in the area, giving it a commanding view of the plains to the south and the river valley and hills to the north (the north view is blocked by trees from the ground). Be sure you make it to the top of the hill for the view before you go!
It is also just off the North Dakota segment of the North Country Trail, which winds its way through 4,600 miles and seven northern states. The Sheyenne Grasslands part is a hardpack/gravel trail suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. No motor vehicles are allowed on the trail.
The hike is a little over 3.5 miles one way through rolling prairie interspersed with stands of oak, aspen, and cottonwoods. The trail was improved several years ago, and is easy to follow. Plan on several hours away from civilization, so bring plenty of water and bug spray. Poison ivy is common in areas just off the trail, and there is a little on the hilltop, so watch out. A group of ranchers use the grasslands for grazing, so be sure you close all the cattle gates you pass through, and give the cattle a wide berth if you encounter them. This is a popular deer hunting area, so you should wear blaze orange if you are there near the end of October into November.
The cache is a small ammo can with assorted trinkets, and a t-shirt for FTF. If you really want a challenge, continue east along the trail for several more miles and find the Iron Creek cache (GCVM9F).
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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