McCredie Station Traditional Cache
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1 of 5 in the McCredie Springs series. Just off the gravel at around 2000 ft elevation. Cammo'd container.
Clothing is optional at the hot springs, but you won't see any nekked people from this area.
The hot springs are closed from dusk to dawn, which they do tend to enforce, so don't get caught moonshining down there.
After the railroad crossing, stay to the left at the fork, then park at the next fork. You want the middle road, and I wouldn't suggest driving all the way to the cache unless you have a very small vehicle and don't mind it getting whacked with a few branches. My Jeep barely had room to turn around.
McCredie Station is just below. All that remains is the railroad crossing and some equipment, but long ago, passengers stopped here to stay at a grand lodge, where they could relax along beautiful Salt Creek, and take in the healing properties of the hot spring pools.
The large parking area you see on the south side of the highway at the station turn off is the old hotel location. Sadly, it burned down many years ago. The Forest Service leased the land, allowing it to return to a more natural state, and keeping it free for the public to enjoy.
After the cache, follow the path on the east side of the springs parking area to access the largest pool, and a small one tucked into the hillside farther east.
When I first moved to Oregon in '92, I lived in Westfir and came up here often. There was a unofficial caretaker named Dan, who was as adept with shovel and stone as he was at spinning a long yarn for the visitors. His hard work and dedication still show in these pools. May he be enjoying a long, hot soak and good company, wherever he is.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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