The Tacoma water flume was built in 1885 to carry water from Spanaway Lake to a reservoir near downtown Tacoma. The open wooden flume provided needed water to a growing city, but proved to be an unsanitary solution. It was only used for a few years before being replaced with a pipeline. The right of way for the flume and pipeline were also used as a walking and cycling trail, much of it built of wood held together with iron straps. The trail included a bicycle bridge over a gulch near downtown that was 12 feet wide, 405 feet long and over 110 feet tall.
In 2014, the City of Tacoma opened this urban trail along the 130 year old historic right of way that still exists today. The trail is currently just over two miles in length, but within a couple years will extend a total of 6.5 miles to downtown and join with other existing trails. It passes through South End neighborhoods, past two schools and through two parks.
Unfortunately, since this area of the trail is out of view of the public, it has attracted a bit of graffiti. The park workers recently employed an innovative method to discourage graffiti on the landscape wall along this stretch of trail. This cache may be more of a challenge than others in the series, so no hints given. No need to cross the fenceline.