UPDATE FEB 2012: the rail is now closed and not maintained.
Although still doable, it can be treacherous in places along the
way and you may encounter dangerous spots as nature takes it
course. Be careful if you go!
About 4 years ago the Port of Tillamook Bay (POTB) opened the rail
line through the Salmonberry River Canyon to pedestrian traffic.
Prior to this, access was extremely difficult due to lack of entry
points and verticality of terrain. The canyon isn't spectacular or
blessed with unusual features but a hike through here is a
guarantee of solitude. Chances are, you'll see more elk than
hikers.
Some caution is required because the rail line is active. You
may expect to see one or two slow moving trains or maintenance
vehicles come through here each day. You'll be walking through
short tunnels and over trestles (the trestles have walkways) so be
on the alert.
To get started, drive to Cochran and park at N 45.42.286, W
123.24.675 or thereabouts. Start walking on the middle set of
tracks. Just past the first tunnel is a permit station. Complete a
permit if available (they usually aren't.) There is no penalty for
not having a permit (verified with the POTB on 4/3/02). If you're
visiting in the late summer then call the POTB at 503-842-2413 to
ascertain access hasn't been closed due to fire season. UPDATE
5/23/05: The trail is not officially open any longer due to
vandalism. After speaking with the POTB, they told us that you can
still walk the trail with no penalty.
The cache is an ammo box covered by woody debris inside the
hollow of a tall burned out snag. You'll need to be on hands and
knees to expose it.
Finally, I recommend leaving dogs at home because the rocky bed
would be hard on their paws.
Additional update 5/23/05: If you have a good map of the forest
you may be able to find parking much closer to the cache but this
will require a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle for the
approach. You may need Four-low to get down the road and give the
brakes a break!