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 has good cell phone coverage with data. If you are continuing on up the Seward highway to other KMTA GeoTrail caches, it would be wise to download cache information to your GPS device from this location.**
KMTA GeoTrail #21: The Seward Community Library and Museum
The newly constructed Seward Museum and Library focuses upon Seward being the “Gateway to Alaska.” In addition to viewable exhibits the museum provides a wealth of research possibilities for students. The Seward Museum has an incredible archive of photos, newspapers, documents, and other artifacts that are indispensable to the historic researcher.
The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but this cache is not located in the building. I recommend timing your visit to opening hours to explore the building. While you’re in the museum, imagine being an intrepid explorer from the time; uprooting your family and taking your chances on the wild unknown of Alaska. Would you have been able to do it without today’s conveniences?
To find this cache, you'll enter the courtyard on the backside of the building, and use your observational skills to solve a fairly easy puzzle.
N 60 06.A0A W149 26.BCD
A= the number of bears in the Nichole Feemster mural
BC = the number of metal fish are in the 'streambed', minus 3
D = number of letters in the town name, plus 2
This cache is maintained by local Alaskan geocacher eaccipi.
Please contact her with any questions or maintenance requests.
