GC1HBA6 Scout Ridge Trail (Traditional Cache) in Alaska, United States created by NorthWes

This cache has been archived.

Greatland Reviewer: Hello:

This cache page has been archived due to the lack of response to one or more prior Reviewer Note(s) about issue(s) with the cache. If the owner would like to have the cache unarchived, please contact me through my profile as soon as possible before another cache gets placed nearby.

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GC1HBA6 ▼

A cache by NorthWes Message this owner

Hidden : 10/18/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

The Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge is 45 square miles of wetlands, forest, lakes and tidal sloughs located 30 minutes north of Anchorage and within close proximity to over half of Alaska’s population. Ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, moose, muskrats, salmon and many other birds, mammals and fish call it home.
Welcome to the Scout Ridge Trail on the refuge's NW side.

The woodland bluff above Cottonwood Creek is a great place to enjoy a quiet walk in the woods. The trail is an easy 1.25 mile loop under a canopy of old birch and cottonwood that fills with bird song as spring becomes summer. Circling along the high bluff, through woods above Cottonwood Creek as it drops precipitously to the wetland expanse of the Refuge, it also passes by a picturesque small lake. As you proceed along the bluff, you will be passing through the ancient remains of a significant historical Athapaskan settlement. Late evening walks along this woodland trail will likely bring hooting great gray owls in springtime. A bonus for this recently improved trail is the new Scout Ridge Overlook. Partly sheltered, with resting bench and a spectacular viewpoint to savor the vast, stunning beauty of this Refuge awaits all who would linger. This is a great place to imagine open hay fields, grazing cattle, sheep and horses in Colony Days prior to the 1964 earthquake. The trail begins at the kiosk (dedicated to the memory of its builder, Eagle Scout candidate Tyler J. Beckham) on the edge of the upper parking lot.

Cache placed with permission of ADF&G Southcentral Alaska Refuge System manager. Please help ADF&G and Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats (a private citizens group promoting responsible use and enjoyment of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge) preserve the natural beauty of the area by practicing CITO and 'Leave No Trace' ethics.

Ammo can cache container is 10 yards NW of the trail at a large stump, about 100 yards NE of the overlook. This cache location was chosen to highlight the stunning views here and the lovely short loop trail, not to be a difficult find. Please practice 'look-lift-replace' caching and pick your way carefully to the stump so your visit goes unnoticed. The adjacent access to Cottonwood Creek and the Hay Flats are well-worth your time to explore further (in waterproof footwear). Note that the game refuge is open to hunting and off-road vehicle use, and that the gate is locked in the evening on a varying schedule which changes with the season (and daylight). You're encouraged to walk the entire 1.25 mile loop during your visit.

Follow the official ADFG Palmer Game Refuge signs located on the Knik-Goose Bay Road leading down Fairview Loop to Hayfield Road. Scout Ridge Trail and the Cottonwood Creek access point are reached via a narrow gravel road dropping off the south side of the Hayfield Road.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

nzzbpna ng onfr bs fghzc 10 lneqf AJ bs genvy

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)

This cache has been archived.

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Scout Ridge Trail Traditional Cache

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