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 #5: The Hope Museum
Welcome to the Hope and Sunrise Historical Society’s Museum. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 12-4pm. Admission to the museum and site are free, and this cache can be accessed year-round (although we ask that you don’t search in the snow. Not only will snow likely block your access, but it would make the cache site very visible to muggles.)
Even if the museum is closed, feel free to wander the grounds to look at the artifacts in their extensive collection. If the museum is closed when you are in the area, I highly recommend their Virtual Museum: https://www.hopevirtualmuseum.com
Hope and Sunrise were the supply ports for the mining activity for the Forks and regions beyond. The Hope Museum, and the town of Hope itself, provides a wonderful opportunity to feel the epicenter of the gold rush in the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area. The museum is a treasure trove of photos, documents, and artifacts from the time period. On site are several original buildings that visitors can wander through. In addition, there are a number of tools from the mining industry. The town of Hope is often called the Garden Spot of the Kenai. The narrow roads, the period buildings, and the lush vegetation make this a marvelous opportunity to sense the former vibrancy of the area.
This cache is maintained by local Alaskan geocacher eaccipi.
Please contact her with any questions or maintenance requests.
