This cache is part of the Valley Cities GeoTour 2019. If you are participating in the GeoTour, be sure to record each cache's code word or punch in your series passport to verify your visit. There are 40 caches placed throughout the four cities to take you to a variety of interesting or beautiful locations, and provide you with fun and informative geocaching experiences.
Lake Wilderness is the largest of three lakes in Maple Valley, being 67 acres in size with a mean depth of 21 feet and maximum depth of 38 feet. The watershed is 420 acres in size and drains to Soos Creek. A historic lodge is at this location, constructed in the 1950's and was once a popular year-round vacation destination resort that included boat and swim facilities, airstrip, ballroom, rental accommodations and restaurant. The Lodge was named as a the King County Landmark in 1997, and additionally honored in 2003 when it was added to the U. S. National Register of Historic Places. An interesting piece of art inside the lodge is a 33-foot Thunderbird sculpture, carved from a 7-1/2-foot diameter cedar log by Dudley C. Carter. A free-standing staircase spirals around the sculpture which serves as the centerpiece of the mezzanine.
Lake Wilderness has a beach, and you can swim here year-round - brrrrr! You can also fish this lake, and it hosts an annual Fishing Derby the last weekend in April that is quite popular. There are quite a number of paths around the lake that offer many great views, and it connects to the Cedar River Trail, which is transformed from a former rail line, and is quite popular for walkers, runners, dog walkers, bikers, etc. A wonderful Arboretum is also adjacent to the lake, and has wonderful walking paths with many species labeled.
Running through the middle of Lake Wilderness Park is Jenkins Creek, a tributary for Big Soos Creek, which eventually empties into the Green River. This park also includes three wetlands. Because of the wetlands and forested area, a large variety of birds and animals also make their home in Lake Wilderness Park, including deer, beaver, raccoon, hawks, wrens, and ruffled grouse.
2019 is the first year of a formal GeoTour for the expanded geocaching adventure in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton & Maple Valley, Washington. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, auburntourism.com, visitkent, the Port of Seattle and the WSGA are stakeholders in this GeoTour. There are 10 caches placed in each city. The geocaches highlight some scenic ourdoor area, park, trail, or general area of interest in these cities. We hope you enjoy visiting the area, learning about its natural beauty and interesting outdoor areas. You can visit the website for information about lodging discounts, restaurant, brewery and other discounts that are available while you are visiting our area, Valley Cities GeoTour.