About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it, too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon
About Elmonica/SW 170 St MAX Station
Welcome to Elmonica. The MAX Blue Line operates on the old Oregon Electric Railway line. The Oregon Electric (OE) interurban ran from Forest Grove to Portland. MAX uses the line between Beaverton and Hillsboro. This is also close to the location where Oregon Electric had its stop, called Elmonica. Sadly, I have not found an image of the old OE station. Why Elmonica?
The story goes that a Portland insurance executive, Samuel B. Stoy, owned the property here when the OE proposed building a line through Mr. Stoy's land. Mr. Stoy gave permission only if they named a stop here after his two daughters, Eleanor and Monica. The railroad agreed and contracted the names into Elmonica.
Elmonica is an important stop on MAX. Trains are occasionally held at the station longer than most stops to allow crew changes. Also, Elmonica is the location of the second yard and MAX shops; the first and main shops are at Ruby Junction near Gresham.