This is my third attempt at placing this cache. Originally I wanted to place a few caches around my favorite areas to walk my dogs. However I have since found that all those areas are either already full of caches or have "no trespassing" signs posted along them.
So is this far out remote area one of my favorite places to walk my dogs? absolutely not, but I do love a good fire lookout station. And the dogs did have a good time sniffing and peeing. This was a hard hike to the top, but also a very rewarding hike, and well worth it.
The cache itself is located in what used to be the second parking lot. When I was up here there was a post blocking vehicles from entering it from the first parking area so you have to take the short easy hike in.
The cache is a simple lock container with cammo tape on it. I did not try to make it difficult to find or anything, Getting to this location and the hike ahead of you is difficult enough. I will post some spoiler pictures instead of a hint, but basically it is up against a giant rock face tucked up next to a small bush. Be careful getting to it, you are on loose rocks. And for sure sit up on the rock it is across from and get your picture taken.
I am copying and pasting the driving directions from the WA Trails Association. They worked really good for me.
Driving Directions:
About two miles past Greenwater, turn left from Highway 410 onto paved Forest Road 70. All mileage readings are from this junction.
At 8 miles, turn left onto a road signed 7030 and an arrow. There is about 10 feet of pavement, then gravel. This section of 7030 has some washboard driving surface.
At 8.3 miles cross a bridge and pass some campsites.
At 11.9 miles, come to a T and turn left, staying on unsigned 7030. (A right turn will take you toward Colhoquon and Pyramid Peak and PCT trailheads.) The rest of 7030 has a couple of steep sections and falling rock areas.
At 12.4 miles go straight, not right and uphill.
At 13.1 miles turn right. At this time there is a sign that indicates that the road to the right is 7030; the road straight ahead is signed 7032.
Pass side roads at 13.6 and 14.1 miles. (don't be tempted to turn down these, the trail head is well marked at the trailhead.)
The rough road to the Kelly Butte “trailhead” is on your left at 14.4 miles from Highway 410
4 wheel drive with clearance would be the best vehicle to get up here, however I did it in a handicapped wheelchair van that has had the bottom lowered. So any car should be just fine, just take it slow and easy on the dirt roads.
you can also see the lookout waaaaaaaay up there from the parking area.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no source of water along the trail, so bring lots of it. Especially if you are caching with your dogs, there is no water so pack extra bottles and a watering bowl for them. And I mean no water, or mine would have sniffed it out. No creeks, no streams no run off, no nothing.
FTF gets some cold hard cash. Well OK actually a Petco gift card. Could be $1 could be $100, but don't hold your breath for that last number. Also I placed a brand new travel bug just starting off on his journey. Since I don't expect this cache to get much action will the FTF kindly grab him and move him along. If the log has some entries already in it, it is because I forgot to tear out the pages from my previous placement of this cache. It was only found a few times before it got removed due to some no trespassing signs.
Congratulations metalshop on the FTF. You earned it.