Middle Fork Trailhead Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Shaddow: Well now that X-Huey-Drv has found it means there is no reason left. Just kidding buddy.

Grabbed the container today

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Hidden : 1/19/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Middle Fork Trailhead
Middle Fork Trailhead is the starting point for several excellent hikes ranging from lower elevation strolls to major elevation gain off-trail adventures. Many trails lead deep into the Alpine Lakes area and through to the I-90 corridor and beyond.

The drive along the Snoqualmie River Middle Fork is quite long and the road can be in very rough shape at times, especially later in the season and over the winter. The trailhead is well developed and includes plenty of parking for cars and trucks with horse trailers.

Bathrooms are available and camping can be found one-half mile up the road at the Middle Fork Campground. Cell service is generally non-existent in the entire valley.

The Cache
A bison. You’ll need to bring a pen.

More Information

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Full Pacific Northwest Hikes web article

Begin the hike by crossing the Gateway Bridge a few steps from the trailhead. Turn upstream (left) and soak up the sights as you hike between the river and overhanging cliffs. After about 3/4 of a mile you will turn away from the river as pass under cliffs that just might take your breath away. At 3 miles, you will meet back up with the river and have a chance to explore its rocky shores. You will have noticed by now that around every turn lies something new and impressive to look at: high mountain peaks, the beautiful river and of course, old-growth forests.

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Full Washington Trails Association web article
The Middle Fork area used to be a place to stay away from - a dumping ground for unwanted objects and the stomping grounds for unsavory sorts. Not anymore! The Middle Fork Coalition, a group of dedicated people, worked for years to clean the area up. This trail is one of many outcomes of all of this hard work. It is lovingly maintained by WTA and several other volunteer service groups.

Rainy Lake Full Washington Trails Association web article
This is an abandoned trail that heads south along Rainy Creek off of the downstream side of Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail. On the far side of the Gateway bridge turn right and follow the makeshift river-side trail until it crosses Rainy Creek. Turn left and stay on the west side of Rainy Creek the entire way. Near the end the trail climbs a little higher than the lake to cross over a rounded ridge and then descends to the outlet stream.

Rumors swirl of a trail angel whose personal mission is to keep this route passable in spite of forest service neglect - be effusive in your thanks if you run into said person.

The scrambling route to Preacher Mountain continues along the ridge east of the Lake but it is used so infrequently there isn't even a boot trail visible most of the way

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx sbe fbzr fbeg bs fvta

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)


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