This cache requires a bit of driving, as you explore a notable piece of Molalla’s past. The posted coordinates may be of some use as a landmark, but do not go there first! Instead, make your first stop at the Molalla City Hall; in particular, go to the following coordinates:
N45° 8.881’ W122° 34.594
Look around, and you should see a recent example of Molalla’s commitment to the arts. Wilhoit Springs is now a wetland and county park, but around the turn of the 20th century, the affluent of Oregon City and elsewhere went there by stagecoach to “take the waters.” On the mural, painted by Lee Lauritzen, you’ll see images of the hotel, bath houses, and a sign advertising the unique mineral water (recently described as tasting like “Alka-Seltzer out of a rusty can”) (the water’s still there at Wilhoit Springs – you can have some, if you like…). If you look closely enough at the painting, you should have all the information you need to take you straight to the cache.
At the final location, stay on the trails; you’re looking for a small lock-and-lock (to replace the plastic butter tub that replaced the original ammo can). Parking is somewhat limited, though you can park just outside the entrance. The location is only available at the following times:
- 6am – 9pm, May through September
- 6am – 6pm, October through April
For more information on Wilhoit Springs, stop by the Molalla Area Historical Society, or look at the history and photos posted by Dunton Family Farm. Or look at the page for Soda or Sulphur?, another special cache you can pick up here.
Congratulations to the Estacadians (members of the extremely greater Molalla area) for FTF!