The Waterworks Traditional Cache
chubby forest monkey: This area now has plenty of caches and is starting to look like a power trail, so I've decided to let this one go.
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(regular)
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Take a steep bushwack down to Memaloose Creek and Memaloose Falls . Along the way you will go through Memaloose Tunnel, part of the old road used to maintain the South Fork "Mountain Line" water pipe.
From 224, Head up Memaloose Rd about a mile and park at the spur road on the right. Walk down the spur road about 1/3 mile, and then turn downhill just before the road ends. Skitter down the steep mossy rock slope on what is now a well established path. There may be some ropes to assist you, but i cannot guarantee thier worthiness, use at your own risk.
The trail will take you through a young alder stand to creekside along a rock wall: this is actually an old road bed. Follow it downstream to the Memaloose Tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel, go about 50 feet, then look for a user path to bushwack down to the falls.
After finding the cache, if you are still up for more adventure continue down the old road. You will see decaying bits of the waterworks structures, and the pipe appears in a few spots. When you come to the bridge over the S. Fork of the Clackamas, you can cross it and head upstream to visit the infamous rotten log bridge and upper Clackamas Falls, or downstream for a double tunnel and Lower Clackamas Falls. Upstream on Memaloose Creek from the falls, there is supposed to be the longest tunnel-300ft, but I didn't get there today.
Also, on your way out, could you please help CITO the trash pile near the tunnel. That unsightly mess does not belong in this otherwise pristine watershed. Today I lugged out an extra backpack full of stupid human litter.
This is a trip for serious adventurers and will be particularly challenging for those who have compromised lung capacity or bad knees. If you come during the wet season, don't wear jeans! Good rain pants and jacket are a must for bushwacking in the wet months. If you plan to venture further downstream to the old bridges, you may consider leaving your dogs at home.
Have fun!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va ivrj bs gur jngresnyy. Haqre gur snyyra tvnag arne gur perrx, oruvaq n fjbeq srea.