At 6:01am, on February 9, 1971, the San Fernando Earthquake shook Sylmar and the rest of the San Fernando Valley for 60 seconds. The quake measured 6.6 on the Richter Scale, took 64 lives and caused $1 Billion in damages. In response, building codes were strengthened and the Alquist Priolo Special Studies Zone Act was passed in 1972, to prohibit the location of most structures across the traces of active faults.A sign depicting the entire California Fault System and memorializing the San Fernando Quake has been placed off to the side of Little Tujunga Rd about ¾ of a mile SE of Bear Divide. This is the location of the San Gabriel Fault. There is a turnout with ample parking, a picnic table and a grill. Follow the trail up from the sign to see an excellent example of the California Fault System.
A camo'd cylindrical container measuring 4.5" in diameter by 12" in length has been hidden somewhere within about 40 feet of the Earthquake Country sign. A logbook and pen plus many cool trade items have been cached inside.
This is a cache-and-dash but should you choose to spend time exploring the San Gabriel Fault, a National Forest Adventure Pass will be required for parking. At only $30.00, annual passes are really the best deal but daily passes can also be purchased for only $5.00. Many other caches are hidden close by.
National Forest Adventure Pass information: http://www.fsadventurepass.org/
