The original Huckleberry Mtn. Lookout constructed in 1929 was a crows nest built up in a large tree. Then in 1934 a 50' pole L-6 tower with a cabin was built in an open area on the top of the mountain. This tower was destroyed 1960 (not sure why!).
Now all that is left are the four footings marking where the tower stood at an elevation of 6281'. On a clear day there would be a good view of Mt. Bailey. Mt Thielsen and Union Peak, but the day we hid the cache is was cloudy and rainy. If you get some good photos please post them!
This area is used by many different sports enthusiast. It is in the heart of the Prospect OHV trail system and also a major snowmobile and cross country ski area. There is a small, but sprawling Forest Service campground, also called Huckleberry, on the main FS Road 60 about 3 miles from the old lookout site. During hunting season this campground turns into a mini city - hunters with all their kids, dogs, bicycles, etc! Then there is the reason this area is call Huckleberry - they are EVERYWHERE! People drive up here just to pick these delicious little berries.
There are a couple ways to get to this old lookout site (and the cache). Forest Service Rd 60, off Hwy 62 across from the road to Woodruff Play Area, is a good graveled road and 9 miles to the campground. Or, you can continue up Hwy 62 to Thousand Springs Sno-Park and the other end of FS Rd 60 is right next to it. From here it is 4 miles to the campground. Either way, when you get close to the campground you need get on Road 700. It is a loop road, BUT the end that is right at the campground is blocked by a large tree, so go about 500' north to the 710 Road. This road connects to the 700 Road in about 1/4 mile. This leg of the loop is very rough, but passable with high clearance and 4x4 helps. If you go to the other end of the 700 road (about a mile north) it is passable by any vehicle. Then, at the top of the loop, you need to take a small, steep spur road for .27 miles to the top. If you don't have a high clearance vehicle park on Rd 700 and walk in.
We originally hid this cache up in a tree, but about August 3,2011 the trees were CUT DOWN! The cache was missing so we replaced it on August 7th. It is a good strong container with several trade items and a log book. Since trees seem to be disappearing we placed the cache in the rocks! So unless a crazy rockhound wanders up there, it should be safe for posterity!
