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A relatively easy hike, down the old Northern Pacific Railroad trunk line, to a long forgotten coal mining townsite.
Melmont, a company town, came into being around 1900, after a large coal seam was discovered nearby. Halfway between the towns of Carbonado, and Fairfax, along the Carbon River, Melmont was just another dot on the landscape, supplying much needed coal to the ever growing Pacific Northwest. The Northern Pacific Railroad (NPR) extended their trunk line from Carbonado to Fairfax in 1897. Fairfax being approximately two miles upriver, and on the opposite side. The NPR was the only way to access Melmont or Fairfax; if you missed the daily train, you either walked the tracks back to Carbonado, or waited 24 hrs. for the next train. The O’Farrell Bridge (the large green bridge at: N. 47° 02.521’, W. 122° 02.471’), and Highway #165 were not completed until 1921, and 1923, respectively. An interesting side note: the bridge had a saloon at it’s south end in 1921-1922, (this is the recommended parking spot to do this cache). This was of course during prohibition. The “Joint” as it was called, had trap doors underneath, behind the bar. When the Feds showed up, someone threw a switch, and all the evidence was dumped, as the tavern was built overhanging the river. Every payday, an extra railroad car would show up with the train containing thirsty miners, and lumbermen. The law wised up, and the “Joint” only lasted two years.
With electricity becoming more common, coal prices dropping, and miner strikes, most miners moved on just after WWI. Melmont became a ghost town, and a fire destroyed it sometime in the early 1920’s. The lumber contained in the old schoolhouse at Melmont, (N.47° 01.851’, W122° 02.024’) was bought by a local homesteader, and hauled by the NPR to the town of Fairfax. There it was loaded onto wagons, and delivered by the Manley-Moore Timber Co. to the homestead of Steve Poch. His house was completed in 1923, and still exists today. As you drive toward Mt. Rainier National Park on Highway 165, approx. four to five miles past the O’Farrell Bridge, look off to the left at the large white two story house with the fancy facia board along the roofline. There is a sign hanging from the home that says: “Carbon River Ranch”.
Drive through the towns of Burnett, Wilkeson, and Carbonado on Highway # 165, until you get to the O’Farrell Bridge. The old NPR trunk line is at the north end of the bridge, approx. fifty feet below. Parking is at the south end. The only challenging part of this adventure will be getting from the bridge down to the railroad grade. There is a trail, though it is very steep, and could be slippery if wet. This should really be no problem for the average geocacher, if a little caution is used. The walk is perhaps a little less than a mile down the grade. Some minor obstacles may be encountered, and the grade WILL BE MUDDY, especially during the rainy months. Good boots are recommended.
There isn't a lot to see anymore, some foundations here and there. Just before the main townsite (which is basically a large field now), off to the left, a road/path climbs steadily up hill. At the end of this road is the foundation of the old schoolhouse. At the opposite end of town, the bridge piers that held up the wagon bridge still exist. This bridge connected Melmont to Fairfax, via a two mile dirt road. Look downstream along the river near this location, and the original green bridge structure can be seen, along with twisted narrow gauge railroad tracks.
The townsite is on Plumb Creek Timber Co. property. I’ve been advised by the company that it is ok to be on their land, although, if anything of “historical significance” is found, it has to be reported.
You are looking for an ammo box stuffed with lots of goodies, including a new, unactivated travel bug as a FTF prize. AS YOU APPROACH THE CACHE, BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU STEP, AND BE WATCHFUL OF CHILDREN! There is no need to pick apart the structure, or rip up any vegetation.
Please rehide the cache well, and enjoy the walk through the Carbon River Gorge.
Congratulations to Innkeepers on their FTF!
Since your already in the area, don't forget to check out "Carabiner Camp Out" GCPHEC, "Is Anybody Home?" GCPCFW, and "Mossy Rock" GCPHBW.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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