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 #15: K’beq' Native Cultural Center
Location description: the K’Beq’ Interpretative Site provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the area’s rich prehistory. The site has a small center with a model of a dwelling. The cache is located across the highway from the Center towards the Russian River Campground, and is available at all times.
Parking is somewhat challenging. You can park nearby (off the road) at the campground entrance if you are quick. The entrance to the Center is also across the highway, but exercise caution if crossing the road.
The K’Beq’ Interpretative Site also has a preserved house pit. While here - you can try to visualize a way to get into the dwelling, a place to sleep, a place to cook/keep warm, and a place to socialize. Then also consider the number of people that might live in a house pit this size.
You can also go into the interpretative center and view the model and ask questions of the attending guide.
You’ll also note some partially buried plastic which denotes disturbed ground from an archaeological pit.
Geocache description: There is a regular-sized container hidden nearby. The container can be accessed even when the Center is not open.
This cache is maintained by local Alaskan geocacher alaskatim.
Please contact him with any questions or maintenance requests.
