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Salome Creek Narrows Traditional Cache

Hidden : 5/19/2002
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A small but interesting water-cut rock canyon along the south edge of the Salome Wilderness...

The Salome Creek Narrows are a bizarre little section of steep-sided canyon walls where the creek cuts thru the earth just west of Dutchwoman Butte. Even in the dryest heat of summer, pools of standing water are often trapped in the depths; come springtime or just after the rains, and the area is sometimes alive with the sound of rushing currents. It's not a particularly large section of canyon, but makes for a heck of a picnic spot, and is worth the look if you're in the area.

The trail in is a fairly mundane old gravel jeep trail - converted to foot or horse use only - and winds in switchbacks for just under two miles until terminating at a corral at the canyon. During the wet season, you may have to step thru a feeder creek or two at the end if rain has just been falling. It is possible to continue on past the corral and drop into the creekbed farther up to test your canyoning skills, but this won't be necessary to reach the cache, as it is placed just off the fenceline of the corral itself. You will need to edge close to the canyon to locate it, though, so exercise caution, and watch your footing at all times.

The cache is a small ammo container placed amongst the rocks, covered so as not to be seen by other hikers.

To start your journey, turn off Highway 188 at A+ Cross Road, co-ordinates N 33 47.213, W 111 15.838. This is about 7.5 miles south of Punkin Center, near Roosevelt Lake. Turn east onto the dirt road; continue as it turns to pavement for approximately 2.4 miles total. At this point, you'll bear east again (left) onto a gravel road. Continue for about 10 total miles (as measured from Hwy 188) to a trailhead and small parkspot on the northwest side of the road at co-ordinates N 33 46.277, W 111 08.138. Expect a 2 mile walk with about a 500-foot decrease as you slowly descend to the canyon; make sure to bring plenty of water for the trip back uphill to the car!

4WD will not be necessary, but note that higher ground clearance is preferred, and that the road suddenly gets much more rattle-inducing at mile six... so don't take the Lexus. Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybpngr gur uvqqra pbagnvare nzbatfg gur ebpxf jvguva rvtug srrg bs n fznyy cnyb ireqr gerr, abg gbb sne sebz gur tvnag ebpx fragvary gung bireybbxf gur pnalba. Gur qbjauvyy fybcr urer vf snveyl fgrrc, fb jngpu lbhe fgrc!

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)