The Loch Raven Reservoir was built between 1913 and 1923. It is
estimated that 60% of the Baltimore area’s public water comes from
this reservoir. The latest survey of its capacity in 1998
determined that it holds around 19.4 billion gallons of water, and
11.2 million cubic yards of sediment! The submerged valley was once
home to 3 towns including roads and structures, that are all but
lost forever beneath the calm waters. For more information, check
out the links below.
The location is a sandy beach not known to many, as it is
isolated from the rest of the reservoir property by the Pine Ridge
Golf Course. Before the waters rose to their current height of 240
feet above mean sea level, there was a road where the beach is now.
As the water level falls over the course of the summer, from usage
(there is a 12’ diameter pipe running from the dam to a water
treatment plant near Lake Montebello in Baltimore), and
evaporation, the waters recede, and this beach becomes wider.
Accessing this place is the real issue.
There are a few means of accessing this cache. Probably the
easiest and most muggle free ways are to rent a rowboat, powerboat,
or canoe from the Loch Raven Fishing
Center. From there you can navigate right to the beach, drop
anchor, and walk to the cache. Alternatively, if you prefer
stealth missions, and walking, you can park at the Pine Ridge Golf Course’s parking
lot (its public and free) and walk along the cart paths to a
trailhead that will take you out to the cache. Leave the
cartpath between the 8th and 9th hole (there is a marble sign),
and head into the woods. You should come across the trail a
minute after entering the woods. If you can't find it, it's at
the highest point along the ridge of the peninsula. When you
finish, stop by 39° 26.771 N by 076° 34.798 W. This is the
location of the course snack bar. There are great hot dogs and
candy, plus they sell sodas and stuff too!
On the walking note, I have lived in this area for 13 years, and
have taken many walks around the golf course, with my dog, alone,
or with friends/family. I have never once been asked to leave or
even bothered by the marshals. As long as you, (and your dog) are
quiet and don’t get in the way (i.e. crossing the fairway), then
you will not be bothered either. Park at the back of the lot (39°
19.762 N, 076° 29.661 W) and adhere to the dress code and you will
be fine. (Dress code: No tank tops or cutoffs).
While hiding it I found several box turtles, deer, and a family
of geese. You can track turtles though the woods very easily
because the crush all of the undergrowth as the go along. Don't
step on any by accident though!
You probably will want to wear some hiking boots as there is so
rough terrain and lots of dirt and sand. Please reset the cache
where it lies and don't give away its location to other
boaters.
Finally, just enjoy your trip. The sanctity of the 2,400-acre
reservoir property is very nice, and makes a great day trip. Bring
a picnic lunch if you wish, but don’t leave anything behind. Good
luck caching!
Originally in the cache:
- 4 Travel Bugs
- Log
- GC.com sheet