This Letterbox is NOT at the listed coordinates. This is only the starting point. I am providing two options to locate it. Geocache style or Letterbox style. Which style will you choose? **Warning this is an "Active & Registered " Letterbox.** There is a stamp inside and is NOT an item intended for trade. This stamp is meant to remain in the box so that visitors can use it to record their visits.There are 2 Logs inside, the Original log has room, and should be used by those who have stamps, the 2nd by all others. A unique hand carved stamp, stamp pad & Pen are with the logs. HitchHiker Stamps can be moved from Letterbox to Letterbox (or other LB Hybrids) and NOT Normal Geocaches. These stamp's are separate and usually have their own travelling Log. They are also recordable on the LbNA & AtlasQuest sites. Hitchhikers are a Letterbox's form of a Travel bug or other trackable. So if you find one, remove ONLY IF YOU plan to place it in another Letterbox or Letterbox Hybrid. All Hitchhikers and Travel Bugs are welcome. There is an FTF Prize, but who knows, it may be claimed by a LBoxer!
Letterbox style:
Directions: Big Old Pine Letterbox is planted in the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area. This area is a combination of Lolo National Forest, State, City Open Space and University of Montana lands that provide public access from Mount Sentinel to the Pattee Canyon Recreation area. To get to the picnic, ski and folfing areas take Southwest Higgins Avenue to Pattee Canyon Drive (Road #533). To begin this adventure, continue to the Pattee Canyon Trailhead (3.75 miles) at the top of the hill. Park your vehicle in this lot.
Clues: From the Trailhead, cross Pattee Canyon Rd to a small trail (approx 20 deg magnetic) and follow it until you get to a paved road. Follow this road until you arrive at Group Unit C. Travel forward through Unit C angling to the right on a small path. This path will take you through a grassy patch to a dirt road that borders Forest Service land and private property. Turn left on this road and head north (uphill). Branching off to the left is an old road that is becoming overgrown. The tire tracks are still visable. You will see telephone lines overhead where this old road branches off of the dirt road. Take the old road (approx 300 degrees) and continue hiking up the mountain. The trail will swing to the left and west (approx 270 degrees). Follow this trail until you see an old pine tree directly on your right about 20 to 25 ft from the trail. This pine is so huge that it blocks the underbrush from growing around it. Take the small trail behind this tree to a small tree with a white diamond shaped marker marked with P125. Turn right just before this sign. Walk 5 to 6 paces. The Big Old Tree Letterbox can be found at the base of a crooked-trunked pine tree. Look for 2 rocks. The Letterbox is beneath one of these closest to the tree. This area is heavily used, so please replace and hide the letterbox carefully.
Geocache style:
GPS units in the Forest tend to bounce alot, so use the provided waypoint checks.
Directions: Proceed to the coordinates listed for starting this cache. This is your starting point.
Stage 1 - Proceed to the coordinates for Unit C. From this location you should have traveled approx 1152 ft from the starting point. Got Lunch? Enjoy the picnic area.
Stage 2 - Head to this next set of coordinates. Approx 1510 ft from the Picnic Area. A helpful road to walk upon.
Stage 3 - After using the 3rd set of coordinates you will have to bear NW. Are there Phone lines above you?
Stage 4 - What is at this stage? One of Natures Wonders should be on your right. The prize is near. From here at approx 100 feet North will be your prize.
So, which style will you choose? Its up to you. Which is easier or quicker? Take a Friend and split the styles between you and race. Enjoy the Patte Canyon Area. Take a look around, and of note; there are many more letterboxes and caches around this area.