This cache brings you to a unique open sandy area along the East Branch of the Pemigewaset River. This cache can only be accessed from the north end of the former Pine Island Trail, which is reached by a 1.5 mile hike from the Lincoln Woods parking area on the Pemi East Side Trail. It can no longer be approached by taking the Pine Island Trail from its south end; this trail, the former approach to the cache, has been closed due to impassable water crossings. The October 30, 2017 storm caused much of the flow of the East Branch to divert into the channel of Pine Island Brook. The crossings of this brook at the south end of the Pine Island Trail, and 0.3 mile from the north end of the trail, are impassable at current flow levels. The only way to approach this cache is to follow the Pemi East Side Trail from the Lincoln Woods parking area for 1.5 miles (there are nine caches along this section of trail!), then turn left on the former north end of the Pine Island Trail. In 50 yards the former Pine Island Trail turns left. An obstructed path that leads ahead at this turn is one way to access the Beach; or you can follow Pine Island Trail to the left for a short distance to a well-beaten path that drops down a steep bank to the Beach.
Park at the Lincoln Woods parking lot, 5 miles east of Lincoln on the Kancamagus Highway. A White Mountain National Forest parking pass is required. A $5.00 one day pass may be purchased at the Lincoln Woods visitor center (when open) or at the "iron ranger."Alternatively, a $30 annual pass ($40 for two cars), may be purchased at the White Mountain Visitors’ Center in Lincoln or at various Lincoln businesses.
Walk to the ranger cabin/visitor center and continue to go straight across the deck. Turn right on to the East Side Trail, a gravel road that was relocated and reconstructed in its first 3/4 mile. Along the way you will pass the first 4 caches in the East Side Trail series. The trail then bears right on the older route of the Pemi East Side Trail and leads past 5 more caches. Along the way there are some stony washouts from the October 2017 storm. At 1.5 miles turn left on the former north end of the Pine Island Trail. In 50 yards the former Pine Island Trail turns left. An obstructed path that leads ahead at this turn is one way to access the Beach; or you can follow Pine Island Trail to the left for a short distance to a well-beaten path that drops down a steep bank to the Beach. This remarkable natural feature offers great views of the East Branch, Scar Ridge and other mountains. The cache is located in the trees at the northwest side of The Beach. Please practice Leave No Trace - no camping or fires allowed.
Congrats to Izzy's Pets for FTF!