Along The New Trail 2013 Traditional Cache
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There is a new trail at Smith Rock State Park. This cache will introduce you to it.
If you have visited Smith Rock State Park you know what a treasure it is. If you have not, you are missing spectacular scenery, great hiking options, and abundant wildlife. In addition to all that, I think this is the 18th cache within the park. There are 5 more in close proximity to the park. Last fall and through this spring the park administrators and lots of volunteers have been developing a new hiking option. There is now an official trail from the summit of Burma Road connecting to the River Trail. It is much more hiker friendly than the old trail worn by deer and hikers over the years. The trail is also open to mountain bikes. It is officially the Summit Loop Trail and makes a loop hike option that is a little over 7 miles. The trail is now shown on the Smith Rock State Park Trail and Climbing Guide that is available for free at the park. I am giving this cache a terrain rating of 3 because, although the trail is good, you will climb and descend about 1000 feet in the course of the loop hike. Park in the visitor parking area and pay $5 parking fee. To get the maximum in scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities cross the bridge at the bottom of the canyon and turn north. There are going to be plenty of wildflowers in the spring. As I was hiding this cache I could see vultures, a golden eagle, and a prairie falcon soaring nearby. If you do the loop you will be coming back to the bridge from the south. If you are not up to the loop, turn south once you cross the bridge and return the same way after finding the cache. This will mean a lot less elevation change. As always in the high desert, carry plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes, and keep eyes and ears open for rattlesnakes. The container is a small lock-lock box. All caches hidden within the boundaries of Smith Rock State Park require documented, verifiable permission from the Park Staff BEFORE placement. This cache does have this documented permission.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Yvxr n fdhveery’f npbeaf
Treasures
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