State of the Art Traditional Cache
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This cache is located on the top of Sparta Butte in Sparta, Oregon. Here are the coordinates that lead to the best entrance for the public (N 44*54.334' W 117*21.739')...I'll explain more in the long description. The cache is a large Tupperware container packed to the brim with goodies for all ages. When you get to the top of the butte it's hidden up under some rocks out of the weather. Use a 4 wheeler or 4x4 truck for the most enjoyable experience.
Congrats to DrAwKwArD for the FTF! It took nearly a year for it to be found!
HISTORY: Sparta is 20 miles NE of Baker city. Follow Highway 86 and watch for the Sparta turnoff, then north on a graveled road for about 5 miles of uphill grade to an old stone store building. This was built about 1872 by the Cohn-Heilner Brothers and is all that remains of this old gold producing town, which also served as a stage stop between Baker City and Eagle Valley. There used to be a fire lookout post on the top but has since been removed. The altitude on top of the butte is 4869 ft.
DIRECTIONS: Follow Sparta Lane until you can take a left on E Eagle Lake Rd. This road will lead you near the ideal entrance to Sparta Butte. (N 44*54.334' W 117*21.739').
DISCLAIMER: Several of the paths to the butte are privately owned and you need to respect their land rights. For the entrance I recommend, there is a gate you will need open ***MAKE SURE YOU CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU*** There are cows all over this land and you are virtually guaranteed to meet them on the way up. Since your best bet is 4 wheelers or a 4x4 truck...PLEASE stick to what looks like a road and and treat this with your utmost respect. Don't hurt any wildlife or remove any vegetation that shouldn't be. If you use common sense then this area will remain open and available to all geocachers and hikers alike.
Now with all of the formal business behind, when you make it to the top enjoy the view! You can also see the Eagle Cap mountains in neighboring Idaho!
When we placed the cache there was 2 downed trees near the top so we parked the 4 wheelers and had to hike about a 1/4 the rest of the way.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Uvqqra va gur ebpxf nobhg 10 srrg njnl sebz gur 2 zrgny cbyrf fgvpxvat bhg bs fbzr pbapergr.
Treasures
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