Lake Serene Mine Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is the first in a series of caches that will explore the mining history that is scattered thoughout the Stevens Pass area. Hike of about 2.5 miles r/t to an old mine at the base of Mt.Index at the 1200 ft. level. Bring flashlights and wear boots as it can be muddy along the trail in wet weather. Should be accessible all year except in heavy snowfall. Excellent trail/road for most of the way. With about 600ft elevation gain. You're looking for a 30 cal ammo box.
Located off US 2 near Index. Turn at the Mt. Index Rd. just past mile marker 35. Go up this gravel road 200 yards and turn right to the Lake Serene parking lot trail #1068. Northwest Forest Pass required to park here or park back down the road in the pull outs. Follow the old road/trail approx. 1 mile to a junction with a sign and the start of the actual trail to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. Follow the road to the right and go 200 yards and turn uphill to the left. You'll find a large clearing and see a rock wall in front of you. This was the old parking area for the trail to Lk Serene that climbed straight up that was abandoned about 8 years ago. Signal was tough when placing the cache. You will need to walk about 100 ft. to a side trail on the right that leads to the mine opening. You'll see a small creek cascading down the rock gully that will get you close to the cache and mine opening. If you miss the trail to the mine and continue up the road you will come to a memorial to 3 hikers that were killed in an avalanche Dec. 27 1996 not too far from here. If you are adventurous you can continue up the trail and find a side trail leading to the upper entrance to the mine. Cache is not inside the mine. Caution: Access the mine at your own risk. Read this excellent article with a number of pictures showing the mine. Lake Serene Mine
If you go back to the junction the trail climbs steeply to Bridal Veil Falls and Treasure of the Wrath cache and on to beautiful Lake Serene.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Yrsg fvqr arne ybt.