Dirty Harry's Balcony a MidMountain Cache Traditional Cache
Dirty Harry's Balcony a MidMountain Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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The hike to Dirty Harry’s Balcony is approximately four miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. The trail is a bit rocky but is otherwise what you would expect in a Northwest forest. At the balcony, be aware of steep drop offs. After finding this cache, continue up another 2.2 miles and 2,000 feet to Dirty Harry’s Peak.
Harry Gault or “Dirty Harry” was a logger who was in the business of buying cutting rights to next-to-worthless timber on private land that didn’t interest larger operators. He would then employ logging methods (that were subsequently outlawed) to chainsaw these forests to oblivion. Harry logged everything he could get his hands on and was known for an uncanny ability to build roads and get trees where no one else was able or willing to go. He was a thorn in the side of the Forest Service and local timber companies who tried in vain to convince him to practice his craft in less conspicuous areas. These days, Dirty Harry’s logging roads have grown over and turned into no more than trails.
To get there, take I-90 to exit 38. Follow signs to the “State Fire Training Center”. You may consider parking at the gate approximately ½ a mile from the trailhead as it closes at 4pm. If you’re sure you’ll be back by 4pm, park near the unmarked trailhead at N47 26.191 W121 38.045. From the trailhead, hike approximately 1 1/2 miles to an unsigned junction at 2,500 feet, turn right, and continue for about a half mile to a rocky viewpoint for views of Mount Washington, McClellan Butte, Rattlesnake Mountain, I-90 and the Snoqualmie River valley.
FTF Prize: an unactivated Washington Quarter geocoin.
Update: Congrats to Prying Pandora, frisbee'r, and ohjoy! on the FTF!
 This is an official MidMountain Mountaineers cache. We are a loose collection of hikers/cachers who believe the journey is more important than the summit. Enjoy our caches about half way up! |
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre ebpxf.