This cache is hidden in an East Bay park that once contained a Nike
missile installation during the Cold War era. Designated as
SF-25, it was one of many Nike sites that provided a
defensive ring around the San Francisco bay area from 1954 to 1974.
Today, at an elevation of 2024', a microwave relay tower sits atop
the former missile control site.
From the main parking area, there are several approaches to the
cache, but only one affords the most direct route of about 2 miles.
In the 1st mile there is an elevation gain of about 875'(17%
grade). Once you reach the top however, you are at a commanding
vantage point with great views. From here the remainder of
the hike is generally flat as you traverse the "upper ridge"
towards the cache. While enroute, you might want to pause under the
shade of a lone bay tree growing from an out-cropping of lichen
covered boulders at N 37° 48.560' W 122° 03.006'. There is no need
to bushwhack. If you follow the appropriate trail, it will take you
directly to the cache, which is only 10' off the trail. After you
find the cache, continue along the trail another 100' where you
will be treated to some spectacular views.
On the main road to the park, you might also want to check out
the non-native wildlife at N 37° 47.670' W 122° 01.074'. One more
thing, there are 10 other caches in this park so do your homework
for a multi-cache hunt if you're up for the challenge.
Have fun, be safe and tread
lightly!
The cache is 2 qt. plastic container (9" x 6" x 3" deep).
Initial contents were:
- Log book/pencil
- Water bomb balloon pack (low tech missiles).
- Plastic Zebra (from the Mt. McStone cache)
- Hiker's Pen
- Vortex Nerf Rocket
- Rock ball
- Electronic Battleship Game key ring
(Place cursor over above icons for
description)