About the KMTA GeoTrail:
Welcome to a geocaching trail exploring Alaska’s only National Heritage Area. In 2009, Congress designated the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm (KMTA) region of Southcentral Alaska as a National Heritage Area (NHA). This designation formally recognizes the history of an area that has deeply shaped the legacy of Alaska and the nation. It is the history of the Alutiiq, Sugpiaq, and Dena’ina people—the original stewards and inhabitants of the Kenai Peninsula. It’s that of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, Alaska Railroad, Gold Rush, Seward Highway, and local industries that give KMTA its character. KMTA’s geographic footprint bridges Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound via mountains, glacial valleys, and productive rivers. Throughout this landscape are communities and stories that connect us to our past and future. It includes the small and vibrant communities of Bird, Indian, Girdwood, Whittier, Hope, Cooper Landing, Moose Pass, and Seward, and all the wilderness between them. As Alaska’s only National Heritage Area, KMTA aims to enhance, preserve, and share the region’s natural and cultural resources— in essence its heritage. Above all else, KMTA strives to foster pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic for this special place. As you travel through the Heritage Area to complete this GeoTrail, we encourage to keep that stewardship ethic front of mind as you learn about and enjoy the richness of the region.
As you search for the geocaches making up this GeoTrail, you’ll be asked to complete a passport that qualifies you to purchase the KMTA GeoTrail Geocoin. For more information on the Passport and GeoTrail, please visit KMTA-GeoTrail.GCAK.org
KMTA field guide link: https://kmtacorridor.org/field-trip-guide/
The unique code word for this cache is found on the front of the logbook and/or on the inside of the container lid.
**Cell coverage warning: this location may have limited cell phone coverage (at least for data). It would be wise to download the cache information before arriving at GZ.**
KMTA GeoTrail #4: The Hope Cutoff
Start your journey here at the Hard Luck on Gulch Creek sign. When miners came to this region, they believed that gold must be everywhere. Unfortunately, that wasn’t exactly the case.
Find the section about the two miners who brought the most claims for the region. One of them has a country for his nickname, which is it?
Iceland = N 60 45.423
Germany = N 60 46.877
Spain = N 60 46.147
Head to the Gold Discoveries sign next, just across the parking lot. Did you know that under this current Highway Bridge, prospectors found gold in 1895? The town of Hope (just down the road!) grew to include 300 gold seekers in just 5 years - pretty impressive considering today’s population was 79 during the 2020 US census.
With so many miners coming in looking for what ended up being a smaller than expected amount of gold, there were bound to be some conflicts. How many miners were shot over disputed claims?
1 = W 149 25.766
3 = W 149 25.254
8= W 149 26.001
Hopefully you’ve solved for the final stage! As you walk there, approach the Canyon Creek Bridge (3rd stage), observing the area around you. No action is needed at the third stage, but it’s a nice spot to observe how different the highways are now versus then.
Much of the Seward Highway has been rebuilt from the 1990s to the present day. (I'm sure you've noticed a lot of road construction on your trip!) This bridge is now used for pedestrians and cyclists, but it used to be for automobiles.
The section of road from this point toward Summit was referred to as the “Luge Run” because of its narrow, twisty, and icy nature. Imagine driving, in the winter across this bridge. A common superstition was that the passengers (not the driver) upon approaching the bridge would shut their eyes and hold their breath while crossing. It’s no wonder that the bridge held that kind of respect. Notice the width of the roadway here, and then imagine your vehicle (especially if you're in a camper!) trying to pass another vehicle here. It was certainly unnerving for two large vehicles (buses or semi trucks) to meet on this bridge in the winter!
This cache is maintained by local Alaskan geocacher eaccipi.
Please contact her with any questions or maintenance requests.
