Olson Tower Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

89SC: Requires too much maintenance and I don't get up there as often. Careless cachers are constantly dropping the container and not reporting it.

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Hidden : 9/1/2007
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This is my version of a park and grab. You can drive within 90' or so of the cache. It is located at the Olson Observation Tower on Backbone Mountain in the Monongahela National Forest between Parsons and Thomas. It is a larger container than before and should be easy to spot. Just push and turn left. Bring your own pen.

Backbone Mountain was the site of the first fire tower in the State of WV. Originally built in 1922 by the state, it was later transferred to the Monongahela National Forest. It was used until 1963 when it was replaced and named Olson Tower. Olson Tower is located on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County. The elevation is approximately 3736 feet above sea level. It is accessible most of the year by a dirt road. The road is not maintained in the winter months. From Parsons, travel approximately 7 miles north (east) on 219N. Turn right on Forest Road 18. It’s marked with a sign but it can be seen better coming downhill. The coords are: N39° 07.613, W079° 35.082. Turn right on Forest Road 18. Travel 0.4 miles and stay right at the Y intersection. This is FR 717. Continue on FR 717 for 1.6 miles to the parking lot below the tower. The cabin is closed to the public, you are welcome to climb to just below the cabin structure. The view is amazing, you can see the town of Parsons, Blackwater Canyon, Otter Creek Wilderness, Canaan Mountain, the windmills, and even the ski slopes at Canaan and the Mount Storm power plant.


The cache is hidden on the bottom of the cabin. Don’t attempt this if you have a fear of heights. The tower is 90' high and you’ll be just under the cabin. I counted 124 steps. It’s a real thrill on a windy day when you can actually feel the tower move. It’s a lot of work for a micro but you will be rewarded with a view that is like being in an airplane. The high terrain rating is for those who don't like heights. For the rest, it'll be easy.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Chfu naq ghea yrsg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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