Twin Lakes (via snowshoe) Traditional Cache
Brainbumps: Picked it up today to archive it. Will move coin along soon!
Twin Lakes (via snowshoe)
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is for cachers who won’t let the snow stand in their way of some backcountry caching. It’s a good 6 mile round trip, with only 600 feet elevation gain, but at this time of year (January) you are definitely going to need snow shoes. We did it in 3 hours but give yourself a couple more if you want a more leisurely pace or to have some lunch at the lake. You will also want to bring a Greentrails Map #207 (Snoqualmie Pass) and possibly read up on the hike in “Snowshoe Routes – Washington” by Dan Nelson. We have also provided two reference topo maps here at the end of the cache description, but they should not substitute for you bringing your own!
Start from the Hyak Sno Park parking area (N 47 22.712 W 121 23.410) where you will need both a Sno Park pass and groomed trails pass (not available for purchase on site but at REI and other outdoor retailers).
From the parking area restroom (not open in winter as it is buried) head up the hill to the groomed John Wayne (Iron Horse) trail and go left/east for approximately 1/3 mile. Just before the bend (N 47 22.446 W 121 23.645), you will find blue trail markers that lead you about 500 feet up the hill to groomed Forest Service Road 9070 (N 47 22.486 W 121 23.740). Make a left and head southwest for a mile and a half to the Cold Creek/Twin Lakes Trailhead (N 47 21.790 W 121 25.332). Note that the both the sign and trail are basically buried in snow right now. From there, head west, blazing your own trail following the creek but staying on the ridge above it for half a mile or so. At about N 47 21.751 W 121 26.089 descend from the ridge down to the level of the creek and follow it to the lake/cache.
As the journey to the lake is challenge enough, we’ll tell you that the cache (a 3x3x6 tupperware) is nestled between a group of four trees at ground level, and at this time covered only with snow. (If you find this cache after the snow has melted please find some cover for it!!!). To help you in your search, we placed pink flagging on one of the trees. Find the flagged tree, then standing stream side search between it and the tree to it’s right. Another point of reference may be the log across the creek just upstream (see picture below).
Lastly, remember to check the road/weather (www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/default.aspx), and avalanche conditions (nwac.us) before you go. Have fun, and of course, be safe!
(During summer months the terrain rating goes down to a 3 as you can simply hike in on the trail).
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures