The waterfalls are worthy to visit in their own right, and you
must pass the falls on the way to the cache. But this cache is not
at the falls. The cache container is hidden 430 vertical feet above
the base of the falls, but is less than a tenth of a mile as the
crow flies.
Suggested parking is at N48 45.625 W122 13.354, across the road
from the trailhead. There used to be a good trail here (I walked it
last summer), but much of it has been washed away by an apparent
deluge in early 2009. When the trail approaches the creek, you will
be better off leaving the trail and walking the creek. The falls is
approximately 1/3 mi from Hillside Rd.
With all of the freshly downed trees, areas of the creek smell
like my father's basement when he's turning the lathe.
According to the Northwest Waterfall Survey website the falls
drop approximately 280 feet in three tiers. You can only see the
bottom tier from the creekbed.
visit link
You will see a rope near the base of the falls. This is the
first of 7 ropes that you will need to help you up the hill. (I do
not know who installed these ropes, but I love them for it.) In
between the ropes, you may wish there were more ropes--the hillside
is very steep and your footing may not always be sure. THIS IS A
VERY DIFFICULT SLOPE. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE ALONE. Beyond the
7th rope, the terrain is still steep. Go slowly, and don't be
afraid to get dirty.
The cache is a green ammo-can hidden geo-typically. The GPSr
reported 22ft accuracy, but the GZ coordinates *changed* while I
was there without the accuracy value changing. I have provided a
giveaway description and photo to go with both sets of GZ
coordinates.
Initial GZ coordinates: N48 45.572 W122 13.818
GZ after 10 minutes of NOT MOVING: N48 45.559 W122 13.839
Hide description: The cache is hidden within 10 feet downslope from
a tree that is tied with pink and black ribbon.
My friend and I returned to the car 2 1/2 hours after we began
our trek, but at least 30 minutes of that was taking pictures and
general exploring. I wore hiking shoes and used a good pair of
sturdy, but light, gloves.
You are under no obligation to seek this cache. I assume no
liability for events, which may occur, related directly or
indirectly to your searching for this cache. Be careful, and know
your limits.
For bonus points, go beyond the cache (the cache is located at
the highest point on this trail) and down the hill, down another
rope, and you'll be at the creek at the top of the falls. The view
of the valley is, as the kids say, neato.
May 2009