This well worn path follows a forest service road numbered 344.2A in this area. The road system number 344 is mostly inside the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve (NWP) spanning about 4 miles east to west in this area. The area is bounded by Custer State Park on the north at various distances. The NWP boundary is about a quarter mile south of this point near the listed parking area.
The number and letter following the 344 system designation refers to a branch of the road. As you hike, bike, or ride horseback in this area, you will see branches 1D, 1K, 1P and others. You do not need a road map, just keep your eyes open for these cleared areas which will sometimes have vehicle tracks. The geocaches will take you along trails and roads with some side trips to more challenging terrain. Use of these roads is strictly administrative, no public motorized vehicles are allowed. Administrative use is limited to what is needed for resource management. That could include weed control, repair of fences, monitoring trespass, flora or fauna inventories. There was a timber sale in this area of the NWP about 2005. You will see a lot of Ponderosa Pine regeneration that forms thickets and stunts trees while covering the ground with pine needles and eliminating food for wildlife like grass, shrubs, etc.
You may have noticed the low growing ground cover with small leaves and berries in season. This plant is called Kinnikinnick or Bearberry and grows aggressively in sunny well-drained areas but does not grow in the pine choked areas or the wet meadows. It is similar to Lingonberry and is edible. But the Kinnikinnick berry is mealy and tasteless so it is more suitable for winter subsistence than a tasty meal. The berries can also be mashed to create a sealant on baskets. The plant can be smoked producing a heaviness sometimes approaching stupification. As ground cover, it is very useful. There is information on the Washington Native Plant Society internet page if you want to plant some at home.