Cabin In The Sky Traditional Cache

THIS 19TH CENTURY MINER'S CABIN AND THE AREA AROUND IT IS AN HISTORICAL SITE. DO NOT DISTURB OR REMOVE ANYTHING. THE CACHE IS NOT IN THE CABIN. IT IS LOCATED JUST DOWN SLOPE.

So, enjoy the area and leave it as you find it. Leave no trace of your visit. With that said, I see no harm in remembering the "Cache in trash out" part of geocaching.

It is good idea to have a Forest Adventure Pass when visiting the National Forests.

Someone worked hard to build a cabin about 250’ above the valley floor. There is evidence of mining at the site. It is a great place for a cabin except for the hike from the road. It has a great view. Transporting water up there would be a chore. I can’t imagine hauling furniture!

The straight-line distance from the trailhead to the cabin is about 800’. Walking distance is closer to 1000’. The overall grade is about 30% (17°). The last 100’ or so is the steepest. The area you must traverse is littered with large boulders and scrub oak. It is possible to get to the cabin without scrambling over these boulders though. You will find yourself having to squeeze between oak branches and a boulder or two. Ducking under branches will be required also (no knit shirts). When the cabin was built I’m sure there was considerably less scrub oak than now. In fact, when the valley was used for mining in the last half of the 19th century, a large percentage of the trees in the valley were cut down. What you see now is mostly second generation growth. This is true for many areas of the mountains here.

To get a look at the terrain, use the Google Map embedded in this listing. Set the preference to "hybrid" and zoom in. You will be able to see the cabin and how the Scrub Oak is dispersed on the hillside.

Ok, now for advice and directions. If you are not familiar with the roads in the valley, have a map with you. I take Van Dusen Canyon Road to get there. The Forest Service has recently limited access to the road (N3N43) that directly leads to the trailhead. You can park just south of the trailhead take and take a 5 minute walk there. You can also drive and park at the trailhead by taking Artic Canyon Road to N3N43 and drive south to the trailhead. There you will see a “ramp” heading NNE up the hill. The worn rocks here will make it obvious. At the top of the “ramp” go left (N) about 100’ until the path turns right NNE. There are several paths to get up to the cabin from here. My experience has been that it is easier if you keep the cabin to your right as you are walking up the hill. Footprints and cairns that have been left will help you. You will not be able to see the cabin until you are at the same elevation or above. The cache is about 20’ down slope of the cabin yet you cannot see the cabin from there.

One final thing: TAKE WATER WITH YOU! The temperature and your physical condition will determine how much water you will need. The higher the former and the lower the level of the latter will increase your water intake. I suggest each person take at least one quart of water. More if it is hot, you plan to explore, grab the In The Cabin's Front Yard, or take time to eat a snack up there.

View of the valley from the cabin.	Can lid used to patch floor inside the cabin.	Part of a boiler near the cabin.