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 on the SideTracked Website.
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon.
About the former Kings Hill/SW Salmon MAX Station
(Photo from 2004)
In the middle of 18th Ave by Ground Zero is the now‑closed Kings Hill/SW Salmon MAX Station. This station was shut down due to its extremely close proximity to Providence Park Station—only one block away eastbound and two blocks westbound. After Timbers matches, the small platforms here simply couldn’t handle the crowds.
Kings Hill was originally built at the neighborhood's request during Westside MAX construction to better serve Lincoln High School and the Multnomah Athletic Club. It opened on August 31, 1997, temporarily serving as the western terminal for MAX until the full Westside extension debuted in September 1998.
The station was last served by both the Blue and Red Lines. Although the platforms are closed, trains still pass through every day.
Station Artwork
Created by the Westside design team (1998), the artwork here reflected the neighborhood’s history and its connection to 18th Avenue.
- Joel Weinstein’s writing about Tanner Creek etched into granite
- Matt Wuerker’s stories and illustrations embedded in the sidewalks along 18th
- A fence designed by Carolyn King and Lincoln High School students
- A bronze goose by Rip Caswell, commissioned by the Goose Hollow Foothills League
Much of the artwork remains visible today. The bronze goose, however, has migrated—it's now perched at the nearby Goose Hollow/SW Jefferson MAX Station.
Finding the Final
Because of another nearby cache, I couldn’t place the container directly at the station. Fortunately, the final is only a short walk away.
Final coordinates: N 45° 31.ABC W 122° 41.DEF
Use the following at GZ to solve for the cache final
- A – Look up: The third digit of the Parking Kitty code.
- B – Look up: The fourth digit of the Parking Kitty code.
- C – Look up: Add the first two digits of the Parking Kitty code, then subtract the third digit.
- D – Look down: The first digit of the model number.
- E – Look up: How many hours can you park here?
- F – Look down: The third digit of the model number.
This final can be tricky during school dismissal—muggles everywhere.
Best Access
Arrive by MAX for the easiest approach. Limited paid parking is available nearby. The difficulty rating reflects the high muggle factor.