Mission 9: Tunnel of Light Reclaimed Traditional Geocache

This cache has been locked, but it is available for viewing.
Hidden : 7/18/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: large (large)

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Geocache Description:

Please do not move the cache itself, please simply clear the area around the lid and remove contents. When replacing the lid please take time. This cache is not affiliated with the WSGA. They did not assist in placing or maintaining this cache.

This location was home to a Project APE cache, a cache hidden with permission for the Planet of the Apes Promotion in 2001. Moun10Bike and Jeremy were the original covert placers of that cache, but Moun10Bike took over complete ownership. When that cache was placed, it contained a torch from the movie. This cache is a reclamation of the spot of one of the most revered geocaches in the world. It has been a veritable point of pilgrimage for Geocachers worldwide. This replacement cache is meant to continue as much of the previous experience as possible. 10 years ago the following instructions below were left for all remaining Agents of Project APE. Since then much has changed in our group and many fights have been lost, and many have been won. "Undercover Federal Agents" were able to infiltrate and sabotage the best cover we had to safely approach this important supply cache for almost 3 years. This forced many to take the treacherous and darkly beautiful alternate route to reach the final destination. The description in green below and Report 071820011330 were in the original description for the cache. The other three reports have come in since the date the original was placed:


Project APE's success continues as our movement continues to grow beyond what we ever thought possible. For this mission we are heading back to the Northwest, where we are sure to keep our momentum going. Our confidence as a group is growing, but don't let our past success blind us to the constant threat we face. We still hear and receive daily reports of undercover federal agents stalking our team. Remain diligent and stay alert. Remember, anyone you don't know is a possible enemy to our mission.

Below is our field agent's condensed reports for the mission at hand:

"071820011330 - This mission is not going to be an easy one. The hike will not be as scenic as some of the other missions, but you'll be on a great adventure. You'll need to wear a good pair of waterproof boots, or an old pair of sneakers. A flashlight is necessary, even if you go during the day.

This is a creepy, historical and very cool spot. Be ready for a unique hike, but beware because in parts you'll be sitting ducks for the authorities. So move fast and keep a good eye on your back to make sure you're not tailed. Good luck!"

"070110XXXX - Undercover Agents have commenced a harassment campaign on the supply cache, they only got away with the lid. Good job to those snipers that spooked the criminal from taking the entire cache!"

"061011XXXX - Undercover Agents commenced a harassment campaign on this supply cache again and finally captured it."

"071820111330 - Our group has reached a point where the Agents can no longer truly threaten us, and the important work of Project APE will continue no matter what comes. The Tunnel of Light has only recently been reclaimed and is ready to welcome as many of our Agents who can make the trek. This mission is strictly volunteer, no longer shall Badges of Honor be issued for completing it. But the adventure of the journey still remains. You have two options of approach. The first is as described in the previous Agents note. The second will be more work, but will have the added benefit of many extra supply cache's that have been left by other Agent's over the last 3 years."



Cache Details:

  • The John Wayne Pioneer Trail
    This route begins from the Iron Horse Trailhead at Hyak, which is accessed off of Exit 54 on Interstate 90. The trailhead is an expansive parking lot operated by the State Parks with restroom facilities. A Discover parking permit is required. This trailhead is the major access point for the 2-1/4 mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel, the feature for which the cache is named. Please note that the tunnel is closed each year between roughly Nov. 1 and May 1 due to the dangerous icicles that form inside from seep water. You can learn the status of the tunnel by calling (509) 656-2230.

    Round-Trip Distance: About 6 miles (10 k)
    Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • The Annette Lake Trail
    The Annette Lake Trailhead is located off of Interstate 90 at Exit 47 (signed "Denny Creek/Asahel Curtis"). Turn south at the exit to the junction with Tinkham Road (Forest Road #55), then go left for a quarter-mile to the large parking lot. Once out of your car, follow the Annette Lake Trail uphill from the trailhead (not to be confused with the gated Forest Road #5590, which also leads uphill from the parking lot). Keep on this trail until you reach the junction with the Iron Horse Trail, which is provided as an additional waypoint in the cache description. Be sure to ignore the old, overgrown powerline road that juts off toward the left (east) about halfway to the junction with the Iron Horse.

    Note that a Northwest Forest Pass day pass or annual pass is needed to park at this trailhead.

    Round-Trip Distance: About 4 miles (6.4 k)
    Elevation Gain: About 575 feet (175 m)

If you own a Garmin GPS, you can use my Northwest Trails custom mapset to load the details of these trails (along with many others) to your receiver.

Switchbacks.com Badge
  1. The geocache may be placed on Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission managed property only by written permission from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
  2. The following items shall not be placed in the geocache: Food items; illegal substances; medications; personal hygiene products, pornographic materials; inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials or weapons of any type. Log books are required for each cache and are to be provided by the owner of the cache.
  3. It is the visitor’s responsibility to orient themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
  4. Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.

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