About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. Its a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights railways of NW Oregon
About Oregon Electric Railway Cartney SubStation
NOTE: Please do not walk down to the substation, the substation is on private property, and do not access substation from the RR tracks, as it is an active Railroad.
The Oregon Electric Railway operated premium Electric Interurban service between Portland and Eugene. The section south of Salem opened in 1912. Being an electric railway, substations were required along the line to provide power to the overhead wires over the tracks. Passenger service ended in the early 1930s. Electric freight service sometime later. However, the line is in use today for diesel freights. It is currently operated by the Portland and Western Railroad.
This substation has been incorporated into other buildings of a business. It looks rather odd, but the structure appears to be in good condition. The letters O and E are still visible towards the roofline on the RR side of the building.
From the cache site, the substation is on the same side of the RR tracks tucked within steel buildings, but the roofline is visible. It is better visible on the west side of the tracks from Cartney Road. Please do not attempt to access the substation.