Parking:
Follow the Campground signs. Turn left into North Loop. There is
a small, overflow parking lot near the starting coordinates.
Starting Point:
At the beginning coordinates (above), you should see a trail map
kiosk. Grab a Nature Trail brochure if you like, as you will be
passing points of interest along an interpretive trail.
In 1992, Girl Scouts from around Oregon held the first annual
“Big Tree Campout”, named for a giant Ponderosa which
stood over a now-defunct campsite. According to local Girl Scout
leaders, a group of Daisy Scouts camping in this site were so
enchanted with the towering pine, the annual event was officially
named “Big Tree”. Unfortunately, this beautiful pine
tree was struck by lightning a few years later, leaving a huge
stump and trunk next to the trail.
From the kiosk, proceed down the Nature Trail, stopping at
interpretive signpost #1. You can appreciate how huge this tree was
when it was still standing. Find a five-digit number on the sign
(ignore hyphen).
AA = the first 2 digits of the number
BBB = the last 3 digits of the number.
The coordinates of the second waypoint are:
N43° 46.CCC
W121° 32.DDD
Where CCC = BBB + 81 and DDD = BBB + 160
Continue down the trail to the next waypoint.
Second Waypoint:
You should see a trail signpost. Look for a small, square sign
with a red, diagonal line through it. Find a five-digit number on
this sign, again ignoring the hyphen.
XXX = the last 3 digits of the number.
The coordinates of the third waypoint are:
N43° 46.0YY
W121° 32.ZZZ
Where YY = XXX – BBB + 30 and ZZZ = AA + XXX + 2
Third Waypoint:
Head down the Nature Trail, no need to bushwhack until you are
close to the target. You are looking for a micro containing
coordinates to the final cache location.
Final Cache:
There are good trails almost the entire way to the final
cache.
You are looking for a large ammo can, originally filled with
items our Girl Scout troop brought with them to Big Tree. Note: GPS
coordinates are not extremely accurate under the tree canopy. You
may want to expand your search area. Use the hint if necessary.
Have fun!