Oak Springs Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This cache is one of the 12 caches in the Historical Maupin GeoTour operated by the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce. This tour offers a Geocacher the opportunity to learn about the Central Oregon Historical Experience as it relates to the Maupin Area.
Historical Description: The Deschutes river is known for its world-class fly fishing. It is home to a unique wild and native strain of Rainbow trout known locally as the "redsides" or redband trout. The redsides grow larger than most and also have a distinct darker red stripe than most wild rainbow trout. The Deschutes river canyon has several unique bug hatches throughout the spring and fall fishing seasons. One occurs the last two weeks in May through the first two weeks in June when fly fishermen take advantage of the Stoneflies (both salmonflies and golden stones) hatch. Later in the year, the fall Chinook salmon and Steelhead run from the mouth of the river to Sherars Falls.
Dating as far back as humans have occupied this area, fishing along the banks of the Deschutes has sustained families for generations. Fishing is a key ingredient in the Maupin economy, and fly fishing shops and fly fishing clubs are of no shortage. If you’re at all interested in fishing the Deschutes, don’t hesitate to stop in one of the shops for the local hatch info or to book a trip with one of the experienced fishing guides.
Interestingly, the deep groundwater sources of the Deschutes River account for the cold water in the desert, which supports twenty-six species of fish. Of the 26 species, seven species are not native to the river and were introduced for various reasons. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife operates the Oak Springs Fish Hatchery along the lower stretch of the Deschutes River. The hatchery is open to visitors from June to October. The location is perfect for a bird’s eye view of the Deschutes River Canyon and offers a bounty of bird watching opportunity. The hatchery access road is just off Hwy 197, about five miles North of Maupin and gets very steep upon the last couple miles to the hatchery. The geocache is placed just short of this descent in the event of bad weather and to limit the number of visitors on this one-lane road.
This gravel turn-out has plenty of parking and offers an amazing high desert view. No need to make the descent to the river, but there is a great educational location below. Be sure to check their visiting hours prior to making the drive down.
This cache is one of the 12 caches in the Historical Maupin GeoTour operated by the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce. This tour offers a Geocacher the opportunity to learn about the Central Oregon Historical Experience as it relates to the Maupin Area.
Complete the 12 Cache Passport and the first 250 receive a custom Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce GeoCoin.
Passports can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center or online at
www.visitmaupin.com
Contact Info: MaupinChamber@gmail.com
Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is located on
Highway 197
Maupin, Oregon 97037
Congrats Chloefind on your FTF of this one!
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