This cache is located just above the shoreline of inspiring
Mirror Lake. If there is a recipe for a perfect alpine lake, this
one is made to order.
To get to this cache exit from Interstate 90 at Exit 62 and go
west on the paved road. When the pavement ends go right, following
the signs to Lost Lake. Follow the gravel road along the north
shore of Lost Lake to N 47 20.543 W 121 25.360. Leave your car here
and continue up the road to N 47 20.758 W 121 25.464. Here you will
find a trail that leads up and through older growth forest. Once
you reach the saddle with Cottenwood Lake peeking through the
trees, the trail forks. At this point continue up the main trail
towards Mirror Lake. You will reach another saddle at N 47 20.883 W
121 26.330 and just beyond is the lake. At this point the cache is
on the far side of the lake. To reach it follow the trail along the
east side of the lake to the outlet stream. Cross over the stream
and continue past several camp sites. With about 500 feet to go the
trail becomes very faint and you will have to climb over and around
a few trees. The cache is located a fair distance above the
shoreline. Reception in this area was pretty good when placing the
cache but be sure to use the hint and the spoiler photo if it isn't
so for you.
After you have found this cache you will have to make a
decision, either follow the trail back the way you came in or head
south from the outlet stream which will make a loop back to the
parking area. The last part of the loop route is all downhill on a
logging road which some may find boring but we found the views
worth it. Hopefully you combined this with the nearby Cottonwood Lake cache and make an enjoyable day
of it. Bug spray make make your hike more enjoyable.
Edit 10-21-2006: Today we switched the container from a
lock-'n-lock to an ammo can. We have also moved the container a few
feet, updated the coordinates, and updated the hint. Hopefully this
will make it an easier find.
