Jefferson Ridge Lookout Traditional Geocache
ruck: Finally made it up after the 2018 fire and was sad to find the ammo can trashed. With only seven finders in fourteen years, don't think anyone will miss it. Other than that, it was a great day to be out and about. There were a few very fine snowflakes that fell on us at the LO site.
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(regular)
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A hike known for wildflower viewing (rhododendrons) and scenic views of the surrounding mountains: Mt. Washington, Mt.Pershing, the Sawtooth Range consisting of Mt.Cruiser, Mt. Skokomish and Mt. Stone, The Brothers, and in a gap between Lena and The Brothers, the rounded peak of Mt. Deception and steep peak of Mt. Mystery.
Trail 808, (1.8 miles with 850' elevation gain), starts at 3,000' in a second growth forest, with a heavy undergrowth of salal, rhododendrons and vine maple. As the trail switchbacks, it crosses an old Cat track that goes straight up the hill. It crosses the track off and on, finally following it entirely making the climb a bit steeper. The trail enters dense forest and veers away from the track, becoming a more gradual grade through a stand of western hemlock. Beyond a logged area, the path goes back into forest and either follows the ridge or traverses to one side. The trail then approaches a cave or hole beside the trail that looks straight down. Be alert and use caution. Presently, the trail comes out of the forest onto the ridge top, ending where a 41' treated timber R-6 fire lookout tower stood from 1961 to 1967.
Directions: Travel Highway 101 to FS Road #25 (Hamma Hamma Recreation Area) 14 miles north of Hoodsport. Turn west on FS Road #25, go 6.5 miles to the junction of the FS Rd. #2480 and turn left on to #2480. Drive a short distance after you cross the Hamma Hamma River to FS Road #2421. Turn right and follow this road for 3.3 mi. to trailhead, or continue on road another 0.8 mi. to gate, walk 1000' up road to trailhead. NOTE: Road is steep and rocky. Need heavy vehicle for traction. 4x4 is best.
Although accesible year round, a winter approach will start at the junction of roads #2480 and #2421, making for an 11 mile trip with roughly 3,300' elevation gain.
Additional Hints
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