Roose Homestead Virtual Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(virtual)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is back as a Virtual
This is a re-establishment of a cache that is now turned into a Virtual. The original was removed by the National Park Service because they think Geocaching is bad for the land. I wonder if they realize that I hauled out a bag of other peoples trash the last time I visited the site?
In any case, this is a really neat place if you like exploring old abandon settlements.
Like to travel to an historic spot that few people will ever see? Like exploring ghost
towns and don't mind a little bushwhacking to get to them? This may be the spot for
you.
In the early part of the twentieth century there were many homesteads around the Lake
Ozette area. At least fifty surrounded the lake itself. One of the last remaining settlers
was Peter Roose and the remains of his place are still visible today. He ran a sheep ranch
in some natural open areas in the vicinity of his cabin and it became known as Roose's
Prairie. These remains have been placed on the National Register of Historical
Landmarks but little is ever published because there are no maintained trails leading to it nor is
visitation encouraged to prevent vandalism.
Much of the fun of locating a cache is planning how to reach it. The well-known Cape
Alava trail comes within about 0.4 mile. The roughness of the cross-country portion
could be classed as moderate to difficult. This is northwest rain forest where vegetation
can become very thick. There does remain a vague ancient trail leading to the prairie on
the high ground. You can pick up this trail as you cross the W124 deg. 42.311' meridian of longitude on the Cape Alava trail. This is the easy way. You can also approach the site by plotting your course following the obvious open area
labeled Ahlstroms Prairie, but it can be boggy. Be sensitive to environmental harm you
could cause on this approach. This is the hard way. Roose Prairie and buildings are clearly visible on the Terraserver plot.
Please don't dig or disturb any of the artifacts. This is a protected area with
steep fines for violators. Leave it as you found it for future generations to enjoy. Don't give Geocaching a bad name...pack out any trash etc.
Warning: The adventurous Geocacher with established skills in cross-country hiking
would have no trouble locating it, however, this is not a beginners excursion because of
the roughness and danger of getting lost. Always have a backup navigation plan for the
return in case of GPS failure.
It should be noted that the TOPOZONE map displays in NAD27. Be sure to take this into consideration.
Above all else, have fun and imagine how it must
have been to live on this homestead in an earlier time……… You are only about 1 1/2 miles from a very scenic coastline. Return to the Capa Alava trail and finish the journey. Check out "Ahlstroms Homestead" also.
Since this is a virtual cache, by geocaching rules we need to have evidence that you visited the site. Email me the general direction of the Outhouse in relation to the main cabin along with the year in which the cabin was built. The later information will be located on a plaque mounted on the side of the building. If I don't receive this information within 7 days of your posting, I will delete your log.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)