Kootenai River Crossing Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
The cache is hidden in an ammo box, which is placed between Highway #37 and the Kootenai River - downstream of the Libby Dam. The cache is approximately 100 feet from the road, so this should be a relatively easy grab.
From Libby, MT., take highway 37 north, toward Eureka. The cache is located in an area referred to as "the Bend", where the Kootenai River changes course from the north, to the west. The Fisher river enters the Kootenai, a short distance below the cache location.
This vicinity was the Historic Kootenai River Crossing, used by aboriginal people and early fur traders and miners passing through the area. Explorer David Thompson and a small group of fur traders, used this Kootenai River crossing on May 5, 1808. Thompson observed with sextant and recorded the location on his map (48 22.240 / east edge of river). You could say that David Thompson was the first Geocacher in these parts - they even hid caches along their routes. On May 19, 1811, Thompson observed with sextant and recorded the location, where he traded for some horses (48 22.170 / west side of river). This historic river crossing is captured on a 1861 painting by James Alden. The 1864 Ed Warrens Kootenai River Ferry was also located in this vicinity.
The cache contains lots of cool swag and a few travel bugs. Original trade items include a David Bromberg cd, Geocaching buttons & bracelet, knit bag with Madison & Sacajawea coins, lanyard, dream cacher keyring, compass-carabiner, arrowhead & chert and more.
Special thanks goes to Mark White, Libby Ranger District Archaeologist - U.S. Forest Service, for historic information, photos and maps on this historic Kootenai Crossing.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Uvoreangvat