Raven Lake Cache
This cache is not a winter cache. It is recommended that you do not attempt this cache until at least late spring.
To get started, drive east following Highway 16 to Hungary Creek, a distance of 88.1 kilometres measured from the east end of the Yellowhead Bridge. About 0.3 kilometres past the Hungary Creek Bridge, turn right onto the Hungary Creek Road. At 11km take the right fork and continue until you reach the parking for the Raven Lake trail (NOT the Grizzly Den trail - parking will be clearly marked.) Allow for at least 2 hours in and 1 hour out. Make sure to pack a lunch, as well as extra water and food for during the hike.
The hike to reach the cabin (near the cache) is about 4.7km, with an elevation gain of roughly 450m (1,476 feet). The cache is around 150 metres higher than the cabin, so total elevation gain will be around 600 metres or 1,968 feet. At the start of the trail, you'll head down from the parking lot and cross a small tributary of Hungary Creek (there is a footbridge.) The trail continues up through balsam-spruce forest for roughly 3km until it enters a wet meadow area. The meadows continue for about 1km. At this point, you may wish to leave the main trail and head towards the ridge, where the cache is located. Otherwise, you can follow the trail for roughly 1km more to get to a small public use A-frame cabin. This cabin contains room for up to 15 people and has a wood stove. It is usually stocked with wood and matches, but you're welcome to bring your own. This cabin is an excellent place to have lunch and enjoy the view. While you're at the cabin, sign the cabin log book to tell others about your stay. After stopping by the cabin, one may either head back along the trail and approach the ridge from the meadows, or climb up the bowl to the ridge, which will be more difficult. See the area map for more information. (Orange trail goes to the cabin, green trail is an approximation of one way to the cache.)
Please note that while one may safely hike up any of the peaks in the Raven Lake area during the summer and fall, these peaks and many of the meadows can become serious avalanche hazards during the winter and spring. As a general safety rule, avoid walking on snow in this area, especially if it is on a steep slope.
Before you head out, grab some good trade items! The cache is a green and gray painted ammo can (with "Geocache" painted on it in flourescent yellow letters, plus a Groundspeak logo), and it contains:
- Log book and writing implements
- FTF Prize: Hand-made aluminum "Tiki Man" necklace
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring VHS
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers VHS
- Pandora by Anne Rice (Novel)
- Prince George & District Trail Guide, 9th Edition
- Swedish Moose Keychain
- 5 Kronor (Swedish money)
- Clear marble
- Suprema Radio Faction Mini-Radio + Light (with headphones - no batteries)
- Disposable camera (to take your picture with - please do not remove from cache)
Good luck and happy hunting!
Important safety information - please read!
The hike involved with reaching the cache is fairly long and will take you into a fairly remote area. Cellphone coverage may not be available, and in the event of an emergency it could take several hours for help to reach you. The hike is not necessarily dangerous in and of itself - however, there are risks involved, especially if one is underprepared. When attempting a hike such as this, be sure to bring proper safety equipment which you are capable of using. First and foremost, dress appropriately. Bring enough clothing to stay warm. In the interest of maintaining a comfortable temperature, several layers of clothing are better than one heavy garment. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Bring along a pack containing basic safety equipment such as a thermal blanket, rain poncho, first aid kit, etc. Also, be sure to equip yourself with bear bells and bearspray or another suitable bear deterrent. Without making your pack excessively heavy, try to bring more food and water than you think you'll need. Bring waterproof matches and lighters, a knife, a first aid kit, and if necessary, (it usually is around Prince George) insect repellent. You may also want to bring sunglasses and/or sunscreen.
Hike with a partner if at all possible. No matter how many people you're hiking with, inform someone who is not coming with you of your intentions. Give them information on where you'll be, when you expect you'll be back, and when to contact the RCMP if you have not returned.
See the
Search and Rescue Society of BC website for more information, or try a
Google search.
