This cache is in the heart of the Bull of the Woods wilderness
at the 5500 foot summit of the mountain of the same name. I placed
it on day two of a three day backpack trip. Our route was from Elk
Lake by way of the Geronimo trail and the Welcome Lakes, but there
are several other easier ways to get here. No matter your route
stellar views are likely to be constant companions as are giant old
growth Doug firs and an amazing array of wildflowers. Rhododendrons
by the hundreds line many of the trails in early summer. Solitude
is the norm. We saw a total of only about a dozen people on the
trails of this wilderness area over the course of three days and 22
miles of hiking. And that was on a 4th of July weekend!
.
The L4 cab style lookout was built in 1942 replacing an earlier
log cabin version from 1923. It was staffed up to 1963 and used
periodically after that into the 1980's. It is one of only a
handful that remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Its door is
locked now and it is partially boarded up but you can still stroll
its catwalk, peer inside the cabin and soak in the incredible
views. I love these old fire lookout towers. Like steam locomotives
and telegraph machines they are priceless relics of eras gone
by.
Another of the many fine views from the summit...
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This is a designated wilderness area, so being mindful of that I
sought and received permission from the Forest Service before
placing this cache. The cache is a smallish container so think
smaller trade items. For the first finder there is a nice "Clutch"
mini tool by Gerber. Please replace the rocks carefully so this
little bugger doesn't get blown off the mountain in winter.
Thanks.
Enjoy!