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Five Finger Rapids Earth Cache EarthCache

Hidden : 7/22/2011
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Kilometre 187.2 on the #2 Hwy. Five Finger Rapids was named by early miners for the 5 channels, or fingers, formed in the Yukon River by rock pillars. They were navigational hazards during the Klondike Gold Rush and many stampeders ended up in the water after choosing the wrong channel.

Questions: To log this cache you will need to take the 2-kilometre round trip trail (allow 1 hour) and find the answers to the following earth science questions from the signage on the lookout deck.

1. Prior to the ice age, in what direction did the rivers flow?

2. What caused the change in direction?

3. Go to N62° 16.251’ W136° 21.131’ What obvious geological feature do you see at the base of the finger?

Interesting geological facts include that years before he was to discover gold on Bonanza Creek, prospector George Carmack found a seam of coal near Five Finger Rapids. The rock pillars of the "five fingers" are made up of conglomerate rock which is formed when sand and pebbles become embedded in a sand and mud matrix. We've listed coordinates below that take you to the parking of the 5 Finger Rapids rest stop and the trailhead. From there a 1 kilometre (219 steps) trail takes you to look-out which will give you a much better view of the rapids. Take water. Uphill will be much harder. Bring a CAMERA because the views are terrific. Take a print out of this cache listing or have it saved on your iPhone/PDA etc.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)