Cottonwood Springs cache Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The cache is an ammo box hidden in the Cottonwood Springs recreational area. Cottonwood Springs is located 4.5 miles west of Hot Springs off of Hwy 18. Turn on Memorial Rd off of Hwy 18, take Erskine and then Cottonwood. Park near the entrance of the gate (N43 26.117, W103 34.137), but "DO NOT" block the gate so that the Corps of Engineers may gain access to the road. This is about a 45 minute round trip hike with great views of the dam, lake and valley.
Cottonwood Springs Dam was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood damage in the Fall River Valley. The Flood Control Act of 1941 authorized the construction of the dam. The dam is 1,190 ft in length and stands 123 ft high.
Cottonwood Springs is a year round recreation area with a campground, playground, picnic loop, hiking and fishing opportunities. However, due to drought and a recent wildfire in nearby Hells Canyon, the US Forest Service utilized water from the lake to fight the fire causing extreme low water levels. The lake contains trout, largemouth bass and crappie.
This is my families favorite camping spot and have been camping here for the past 10 years. The campground has 18 sites with picnic tables and fire pits, but no power. However, they do have a restroom facility with flush toilets and sinks with running water. There is also a playground for children and horseshoe pits for the adults. The picnic area near the lake has 4 covered picnic shelters and a restroom facility. Best of all, it is only $7 a night to camp!
If you plan to camp, the cache may also be accessed from a small trail near the #8 campsite leading towards the dam. If you choose to find the cache via the campground you will have to cross a field of boulders to get to the road atop the dam. The cache is a safe distance away from the cliff, but keep children close and aware of their surroundings. There is a FTF prize, a very cool geocaching ammo can pin that says, First to Find. Hope you enjoy the views and the hike!
Original CACHE CONTENTS:
FTF geocaching Ammo Can pin
German Coin
Trinidad coin
Australia coin
Cayman Islands coin
Spanish coin
2-Carabiners
6-bags of various polished rocks
Fossilized Shark Teeth
Corona Bottle Coolie
Deck of Cards
Geocaching wristband-Let's go Geocaching
Assorted Smokey the Bear Goodies
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)