Not far from the vastly more popular Skyline Divide, Cougar Divide is a "secret" trail that is surprisingly well maintained. Unlike Skyline Divide, this trail starts near timberline (4980') so views are near constant. There are some ups and downs near the start of the ridge, but the second half is gentle and wide-open.
(Mount Shucksan from the divide)
This trail also affords easy access to the crest of Chowder Ridge (6900'), which can be followed to unsurpassed views of Mount Baker at the top of Hadley Peak (7480')
(Acres of wildflowers atop Cougar Divide)
To get to the cache, drive Wells Creek Road to its end (about 12 miles from the highway). The last few switchbacks are a bit steep so 4WD is recommended. Great views of Shucksan from the trailhead! The cache is located less than a mile up the ridge at the first good viewpoint of Baker. From here it steeply descends into the forest before entering vast meadows. The round-trip distance to the top of Chowder Ridge is 7 miles.
(From Chowder Ridge near Hadley Peak)
The cache is temporarily a micro, but I will upgrade the container size next time I'm up here.
Happy Hunting!