The cache is placed on the Big Ben Trail in Fall Creek (technically the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods SP). This trail is a steep, switchbacked descent from the Big Ben Tree to the creek. It travels through a part of the forest that was burned in the 2020 CZU fire, but the forest has recovered well. It's shady and beautiful.
Near this point, a tall, "spiral" madrone fell and was cut to clear the trail. I did some research to learn why some trees grow in spirals like this, and there's no definitive answer. Some theories are:
- To strengthen a tree against high winds or a heavy or uneven canopy
- To promote even water and nutrient distribution throughout the tree
- Prevailing winds
- The Coriolis effect
- Heliotropism (tracking the sun)
I don't know why this tree grew this way -- or why it fell -- but it's a nice example. It's too bad it fell.
The cache is a small plastic container hidden at a nearby tree that's still upright. It's burned, but I'm pretty sure it's still alive. (Edit: It is not. It fell down within 3 days of placing the cache!)
The nearest entrance is on Empire Grade. Fall Creek hours are sunrise to sunset. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in Fall Creek. Happy hunting!