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Juneau's Lost History: Mendenhall Prospect Traditional Cache

Hidden : 6/17/2013
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

this is another of my off the beaten path caches and the first of a planned series of caches. this one takes you to one of the many small mining prospects from the early 1900s around juneau. The cache is near the wooden foundation of what was a small cabin, and some scattered old junk. Nearby is a trench just to the west of the cabin ruins and beyond that hidden in a ravine is an open audit (mine tunnel). There is another audit to the northeast over the rise, but it has collapsed.

the easiest route is to start at the trailhead for the west glacier trail. Go down the west glacier trail for about 50 feet to where there is a gravel side trail that splits off to the right that goes to the lake shore. At this point you want to turn left into the gravel clearing that is on the other side of the main trail from the above mentioned side trail. At the far end of the gravel clearing is a well worn foot trail further into the woods. follow this trail for a few hundred feet until it goes up a small rise and splits at a t-intersection. you want the trail that turns off to the right. Trail looks to be more or less well traveled, but watch out for mountain bikers. They seems to have found this trail, and have built some jumps in some places.

i don't recommend going cross country as there are very steep slopes and lots of bushwhacking that the trail mentioned bypasses. please do not pick through the ruins as the cache is not hidden in them. good luck.

This message is from the Heritage Program staff at the Juneau Ranger District, Tongass National Forest. The Forest Service manages this area for its historical values and it is protected by federal laws. Please remember to leave ruins and artifacts completely undisturbed. Take only photographs and cherished memories. You are a valuable steward of Juneau’s unique and enduring history.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ubcrshyyl lbh jvyy or noyr gb ybt guvf haqre sbhaq.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)