If you would like to visit an area of spectacular beauty which
is rarely seen, this could be the cache for you. However, be
aware that a fairly difficult hike is involved and there are some
potential dangers.
Reaching the cache requires hiking around the base of Tillamook
Head, a 1,000 foot headland reaching into the Pacific between
Seaside on the north and Cannon Beach on the south. Be sure
to start from Seaside, and do not attempt to reach the cache site
from any other route.
On the way, you can pick up another cache,
Whaler's Point.
This is no stroll on the beach. It requires scrambling
over rocks and boulders and can become very tiresome. Be
cautious of loose and slippery rocks. Even the largest of
rocks can shift when you stand on them. Sturdy boots are a
virtual necessity and two large bottles of water would not be
unreasonable.
The hike is about 4 miles round trip. Allow 3 to 4
hours.
It is vital to be aware of tidal
conditions before setting out. It is best not
to attempt the hike during high tide. Always watch the ocean
and have an escape route in mind.
In February of 2009, I gave up on the original cache location,
which was an ammo box chained to a rock about 25 feet above sea
level. After the loss of three containers to winter storms, I
have selected a new location, about 110 feet above the water.
However, the final approach to the new site requires a scramble up
a boulder field. Please use caution, and pick your route
carefully. I'm no climber, but felt fairly comfortable making
the ascent.
CAUTION: There are some large rocks that are VERY loose on
the final climb to the cache. I'm increasing this to a 5-star
terrain cache to emphasize the difficulty.
If the tide permits, consider hiking about 800 feet farther
around to a point of land just prior to the next cove (after
passing through a small sea cave). The view is worth
it. This was the site of the original cache.
Despite the difficulty and need for precaution, this is an
incredible hike. Very few people venture this far out.
You will enjoy some fantastic scenery and isolation. The view
from the new cache site is nothing short of incredible.
Be careful and have fun!
Update 3-2010 - For the best and safest final approach to the
cache, stay low (fairly close to the water) until you get a reading
of about 75 to 100 feet. At that point, look for a
particularly large boulder. From the boulder, follow a vague
rocky spine directly up the boulder field toward the cache.