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You can stand on the very top of Mission Peak, turn around 360 degrees, and see a view in every direction.
Coordinates to a parking area: N 47 17.837, W 120 26. 635
Across the road from the parking area is the beginning of the trail.
On the way up the trail, maybe half a mile, there is one spot where the trail takes a definate Y. Take the right side. You may see green pika nests in the rock slides part way up. (And see the pikas if you are quiet.) There is a lake on the trail also. We took our children, Bugaboo and Kboy (both under 10), so the trail is fairly mild, and suprisingly not very steep. A nice easy hike; a slow climb interspersed with a few short steeper sections.
This cache is somewhat connected to "Elk View" cache. We all took a walk together and placed two caches. Fullcoverage and Lady Jane had already hiked the peak this summer, and so wanted to introduce us, and all of you, to this fabulous find. "Elk View" is mostly at the top, in a nice, flat spot where you can see three-quarters of the way around. We ate lunch there. "A Beautiful View" is about 150' higher and has a complete view. Going all the way to the top is more of a challenge, but since you have gone this far already, why not do the whole thing?
Note, some people in our group thought that getting to the "A beautiful view" cache was somewhat difficult/dangerous due to a drop off on one side and some unstable lava rock that you have to walk accross to get to it. Be aware, cache with care. However we did take our own kids without difficulty.
Things you can see at the top:
Mt. Adams
Ellensburg valley
Mt. Rainier
Mt. Stuart and the Stuart Range
Wenatchee
Mission Ridge and the ski area.
I challenge all of you, especially our friends (you KNOW who you are), to take this hike as soon as possible. Just a little bitty effort will bring you one of the most complete and spectacular views you will ever see in your lifetime. Bring a meal and share it at the top with your friends and family. This would be a wonderful way to spend the Sabbath.
The hike is 2 miles one way, we showed one hour moving time to get to the top, and 45 minutes stopped time. The stopping time was due to keeping dogs, children, and nannas together. Also due to looking at views along the way, and the flora and fauna. The very top is at 6,880' elevation. The parking area is at 5,550' elevation.
Original contents: A notebook (with a misprint: All41 placed this cache, not Fullcoverage), Pen, Pencil, Flashlight, Biner keychain, Wipes, A Special Promise, Pocket address book, Shell, Shoe horn keychain, Top, Key hook.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orgjrra gjb tvnagf, fyrrcvat haqre n oynaxrg bs ebpxf.