Coming to the NW for a visit?

[+TotemLake]

I've noticed a lot of threads starting recently of folks coming to visit our beautiful part of the country. I'm talking about the entire Pacific Northwest region.

 

In the interest of keeping a welcome mat out, I thought a central location where visitors can come and post would be a good idea. If someone in the right position of power thinks this is good enough to be pinnable at the top, I'm all for it.

 

I'll kick it off with this post that was placed in the Event Calendar.

 

Hi all,

 

I'm from Saskatchewan and will be on holiday in the Northwest at the beginning of May. I am wondering if anyone is planning any events near the beginning of May that we could attend. We are trying to hit a few states so we are only going into Washington as far as Spokane & Walla Walla or Richmond. I see you have events farther west but I'm hoping that maybe someone will plan something on the Eastern part of the State. We are also going to be in Idaho & just the northwest part of Oregon. I'd love to participate in a Flash Mob while out that way since the WWFMIII is happening on May 10th. I'd plan one out there myself but since I know nothing of the area it makes it a little complicated. Our holiday is from May2nd until May 15th & we are hoping to go from Saskatchewan to Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon & then back through Idaho & Montana. The caching will be fun but it would also be neat to meet some American cachers.

[+Sask_girl & Novy]

Thanks for placing my post here. I appreciate it.

 

I am really looking forward to my trip. I haven't had a lot of time to look into the caching for it yet though because I am busy planning two big events here. Hopefully sometime this week. If anyone has any recommendations about anything from caches to accomodations or eateries good or bad, interesting things that are a must see/do etc or even road conditions I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!

[+WeightMan]

Well, let us start the advice with the Northwest Classics bookmark from Hydnsek. Lots of good ones here.

[+Prying Pandora]

Thanks for placing my post here. I appreciate it.

 

I am really looking forward to my trip. I haven't had a lot of time to look into the caching for it yet though because I am busy planning two big events here. Hopefully sometime this week. If anyone has any recommendations about anything from caches to accomodations or eateries good or bad, interesting things that are a must see/do etc or even road conditions I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!

You might also want to contact MtnGoat50. He's the Spokane area representative for the Washington State Geocaching Association.

[+Team PEZ]

Hey all!

 

My lady and I will be in Seattle on July 6-10 for a little vacation and we are looking to meet up with anyone that may have an interest in some fun caching. And oh yea - gotta see some of the sites, too! One of the days we will drive up the coast to Vancouver, BC and maybe do some Canadian caching (if there is no snow, that is!)

 

We are staying at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront and I know there are some caches in the immediate area. Looking to find a travel bug motel so I can drop some bugs off from my trip to Australia/New Zealand and Fiji and bring some bugs from Georgia as well. Oh yea - I would like to take some home to GA too.

 

Unless of course, anybody interested in being a caching tour guide?

 

Thanks!

 

-TP/corey

[+mudsneaker]

Cache Faves Northwest

 

A website put up by a local cacher as a resource for just this sort of thing

[+stonefielders]

Thought you may be interested in a reply from someone who posed exactly that question on this forum last year when we were coming on holiday to the Northwest from Britain.

Looking back now nearly a year on probably our three most memorable caches were:

The Ape cache

Groundspeak HQ

Vancouver island - French beach

[+klossner]

One of the days we will drive up the coast to Vancouver, BC and maybe do some Canadian caching (if there is no snow, that is!)

There won't be any snow, but there will be a one- to two-hour wait in a looong line of cars to cross the border in both directions, and you'll both need to have passports.

[+Dgwphotos]

One of the days we will drive up the coast to Vancouver, BC and maybe do some Canadian caching (if there is no snow, that is!)

There won't be any snow, but there will be a one- to two-hour wait in a looong line of cars to cross the border in both directions, and you'll both need to have passports.

 

My understanding was that the passport requirement only applied if you flew. Not sure about ferries.

[+WeightMan]

One of the days we will drive up the coast to Vancouver, BC and maybe do some Canadian caching (if there is no snow, that is!)

There won't be any snow, but there will be a one- to two-hour wait in a looong line of cars to cross the border in both directions, and you'll both need to have passports.

 

My understanding was that the passport requirement only applied if you flew. Not sure about ferries.

It may not be a requirement, but it is much easier with the passport.

 

By the way, the further east you can cross the border, the shorter the wait.

 

You might also consider taking the Victoria Clipper from downtown Seattle to Victoria. It is an easy day trip to take the first boat out in the morning and return on the last boat of out Victoria.

[+Prying Pandora]

I just called Iron Horse State Park for an update on the Snoqualmie tunnel. It is still closed due to heavy snow and they don't anticipate it opening until late JUNE. The Annette Lake Trailhead will be the only access to the A.P.E. cache until then. Needless to say, you should expect to encounter wet snow and a high volume of melt water flowing through the creeks.

[+TotemLake]

From the looks of the slope at the Summit, skiing was still viable over this past weekend. (Just to give you a perspective. )

Edited May 27, 2008 by TotemLake

[+suz55tbird]

Can someone tell me how to access the Groundspeak HQ cache? We need an appointment? How do we do that?

Thanks!

[+Allanon]

Can someone tell me how to access the Groundspeak HQ cache? We need an appointment? How do we do that?

Thanks!

Here is a Bookmark List called NW Classics that has the link for Headquarters (in addition to 24 other great caches in the area).

 

As for getting an appointment, I think you still just email Contact at Groundspeak dot com and Annie will get back to you.

[+BootsFlyer]

I am going to be in the Seattle/Tacoma area on a business trip from the 14th through the 20th and am looking not only to do some geocaching but some sightseeing as well, or as much as my job will permit. I am going to be there as a participant in the air show at McChord AFB. So, if anyone is willing to help get me started in a good direction either with geocaches and/or good restaurants we shoud try and get to (on a budget) that would be greatly appreciated. feel free to contact me through geocaching.com where I am known as BootsFlyer or via e-mail at mikeguard519-geocaching@yahoo.com.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[+TotemLake]

I am going to be in the Seattle/Tacoma area on a business trip from the 14th through the 20th and am looking not only to do some geocaching but some sightseeing as well, or as much as my job will permit. I am going to be there as a participant in the air show at McChord AFB. So, if anyone is willing to help get me started in a good direction either with geocaches and/or good restaurants we shoud try and get to (on a budget) that would be greatly appreciated. feel free to contact me through geocaching.com where I am known as BootsFlyer or via e-mail at mikeguard519-geocaching@yahoo.com.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

Sounds like an 8 mile hike on the 20th won't fit into your plans.

[+debchic]

I just returned from a business trip to Portland, Oregon and I was able to visit Seattle/Tacoma as well. I had no idea that this forum site existed and wish I would have known before I left. I did receive several "must finds" from cachers in Delaware before I left, but visiting these forums would have given me a much better idea and preparation for my visit of caches to search for. I was also able to attend two events while in Seattle and want to comment that this is one beautiful area and the people that I met were welcoming and very friendly. Thanks for your postings.

[+TotemLake]

I just returned from a business trip to Portland, Oregon and I was able to visit Seattle/Tacoma as well. I had no idea that this forum site existed and wish I would have known before I left. I did receive several "must finds" from cachers in Delaware before I left, but visiting these forums would have given me a much better idea and preparation for my visit of caches to search for. I was also able to attend two events while in Seattle and want to comment that this is one beautiful area and the people that I met were welcoming and very friendly. Thanks for your postings.

Give us a heads up on your next visit and I'll be happy to set up a short hike for ya if the timing is right.

[+JustKeely]

I just got back from the Pacific Northwest for a visit that involved a good bit of caching. Here is the link to My Blog, where I will be sharing my adventures. The most recent entry is our experience at the APE cache, and I'll be updating it every day or two to share my pics and geocaching stories, ending with a stop at the Original Stash Tribute Plaque. It might be helpful or informative for someone coming to the NW for a visit, like we did!

[+The Irish Man]

If anyone will be coming to Portland, Oregon on a trip, e-mail me for some recommendations on places and caches you would want to hit.

[+MissJenn]

Seattle visitors: What are the odds it'll rain on any given day?

 

http://www.komonews.com/weather/faq/4308877.html

This chart will show how many times it has rained on any given day over the past 115 years (Jan. 1, 1893 - Dec. 31, 2007)

Combination of Seattle-Tacoma Airport and Federal Building

Information supplied by the National Weather Service Seattle

[ijskonijn]

Hi, I am from the Netherlands and I am near Seattle for work this week.

Only next Friday (16 Jan 2009), I have a day off and I am planning to go hiking then.

My idea is to go to Snoqualmie Falls and then go to the top of Mt.Washington, doing some caches along the way.

Would that be a trip that can easily do within a day?

Perhaps someone who did Mt.Washington before could tell me how much time an average person should plan for going to the top.

Does anyone know what the conditions are then, for example should I plan for snow?

Of course any feedback is welcome!

[+WeightMan]

Hi, I am from the Netherlands and I am near Seattle for work this week.

Only next Friday (16 Jan 2009), I have a day off and I am planning to go hiking then.

My idea is to go to Snoqualmie Falls and then go to the top of Mt.Washington, doing some caches along the way.

Would that be a trip that can easily do within a day?

Perhaps someone who did Mt.Washington before could tell me how much time an average person should plan for going to the top.

Does anyone know what the conditions are then, for example should I plan for snow?

Of course any feedback is welcome!

I have not done Mt. Washington, but chances are there will be snow. I would really question doing both Snoqualmie Falls and Mt. Washington in one day. They are not that close together. You might do better looking at Tiger Mountain just east of Issaquah.

 

I'm sure some of the more experienced hikers will check in on this one.

[ijskonijn]

I have not done Mt. Washington, but chances are there will be snow. I would really question doing both Snoqualmie Falls and Mt. Washington in one day. They are not that close together. You might do better looking at Tiger Mountain just east of Issaquah.

 

I'm sure some of the more experienced hikers will check in on this one.

 

Thanks for your reply.

To avoid confusing, I should add that after visiting the Falls, I will drive by car to the Mt.Washington trailhead.

Indeed I looked at Tiger Mountain as well, but as far as I can judge from a distance, Mt.Washington looks like a more "real" hike. But I will give it a second look because I don't want to be alone on the mountain after darkness.

[+TotemLake]

I have not done Mt. Washington, but chances are there will be snow. I would really question doing both Snoqualmie Falls and Mt. Washington in one day. They are not that close together. You might do better looking at Tiger Mountain just east of Issaquah.

 

I'm sure some of the more experienced hikers will check in on this one.

 

Thanks for your reply.

To avoid confusing, I should add that after visiting the Falls, I will drive by car to the Mt.Washington trailhead.

Indeed I looked at Tiger Mountain as well, but as far as I can judge from a distance, Mt.Washington looks like a more "real" hike. But I will give it a second look because I don't want to be alone on the mountain after darkness.

Because of the extreme weather conditions this area has seen, this has been a treacherous month for snowshoeing in the mountains. You'll need to check with the local ranger station or ski lodge regarding avalanche and (unfortunately due to the warming weather,) landslide danger.

Edited January 15, 2009 by TotemLake

[+inagaddadavida]

Hello NW Cachers,

 

I'm headed out to your region next wednesday on a work trip. I'll arrive at SEA around 11am and am planning to take the scenic route to my destination of Bremerton. My thought was to go down through Olympia, then take 101 to 3 on into Bremerton. That way I can pick up a few new WA counties.

 

If anyone has suggestions of cool caches, or nice hikes to caches along that route, I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ian

inagaddadavida

[+WeightMan]

Hello NW Cachers,

 

I'm headed out to your region next wednesday on a work trip. I'll arrive at SEA around 11am and am planning to take the scenic route to my destination of Bremerton. My thought was to go down through Olympia, then take 101 to 3 on into Bremerton. That way I can pick up a few new WA counties.

 

If anyone has suggestions of cool caches, or nice hikes to caches along that route, I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ian

inagaddadavida

I was going to give you a cache near Shelton, but it is archived. There are three along a trail to Fern Lake that might be a bit off your route, but worth the time. The listed cache is the end of the trail. The other two are the next two closest caches. The trailhead is east of the cache near Carney Lake.

 

You might also consider Mason Lake Lookout. It is somewhat closer to highway 3 and a pretty good cache. The lookout is no longer there, but you can see where it used to be. It must have been a very tall tower given the size of the trees.

[+DaisyChain]

Hi All,

 

We'll be out for a wedding next weekend. We've done the classics and Whedbey Island. What are the conditions like out there? Is it possible to go to Mt. Rainer or Washington? Should we stick closer to parks and such. Saw several caches on Vashon. Any other advice? Thanks!

[Team Misguided]

It's winter time in Washington. It is likely to be cold and wet. With a slight chance of it being damp and cool. There is a very, very slim chance that it will only be moist and nippy but that doesn't happen very often.

 

The weather here changes quickly this time of year, check the local weather forecasts and be prepared for anything.

[+W7WT]

Hello NW Cachers,

 

I'm headed out to your region next wednesday on a work trip. I'll arrive at SEA around 11am and am planning to take the scenic route to my destination of Bremerton. My thought was to go down through Olympia, then take 101 to 3 on into Bremerton. That way I can pick up a few new WA counties.

 

If anyone has suggestions of cool caches, or nice hikes to caches along that route, I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ian

inagaddadavida

 

Hello and welcome to Kitsap County. If you are going to be here awhile you might consider doing what fixble, Jerry from your area did last summer. He was able to complete the Kitsap County Challenge which is finding caches in 40 maps of the Thomas Guide 1st edition of Kitsap County. Weather and available daylight may be a problem. If interested your can contact either "-Hawk-" or me "W7WT". If you do the trail to Fern Lake you will go first to The Swamp which many of the KCC participants used to complete Map 680. If you go all the way to Fern Lake on your way to Bremerton keep an eye on your time. You don't want to get caught on that trail in the dark. Enjoy your stay in Kitsap County. Dick, W7WT

[+inagaddadavida]

Thank you Weightman and W7WT for your suggestions. I certainly wish they would send me out there for an extended period, but this trip will only last a few days, maybe a week at most, so I think the challenge is out.

 

I would like to do the Fern Lake cache if time permits on my drive in that day. I see it hasn't been found in several months, is the trail particularly treacherous this time of year?

[+WeightMan]

Thank you Weightman and W7WT for your suggestions. I certainly wish they would send me out there for an extended period, but this trip will only last a few days, maybe a week at most, so I think the challenge is out.

 

I would like to do the Fern Lake cache if time permits on my drive in that day. I see it hasn't been found in several months, is the trail particularly treacherous this time of year?

When I went in to get the other two on the trail, I would not have gone all the way to the lake due to a stream crossing that I was not prepared for. Other than that, I don't think there is a problem with the trail. If you want to do Fern Lake, I would advise crossing the bridge at Tacoma on Highway 16. Take a left at Purdy onto SR 302. Well, you need to get off of the freeway to do that, so check the map. That will save lots of time going through Shelton.

[+W7WT]

If you are using a routing GPS it may try to take you off the road and you will end up going around in circles. The trail head is hard to see but there is a sign. It goes up the hill in a narrow trail that becomes a fairly wide trail going down to the "swamp". You will see homes on your left. Look for the launching ramp at Carney Lake where you can park. Across the road is the trail head for Fern Lake. As I remember you may have to walk a short distance on your right as you cross the road. The weather report looks good for your visit. My wife and I are both in our 80's and had no problem looking for the first cache " The Swamp" GCXY6X Dick, W7WT

[+W7WT]

I checked your profile this morning and see that you picked up a few caches on your way to Bremerton, including the two on the Fern Lake trail. Weather couldn't have been better. Welcome to Kitsap County.

 

Dick W7WT

[+FRIED OKRA]

Gredgeman and I are planning a trip to the Seattle area the first of May this year. We are planning on going after icons on Saturday. We think we can grab 12 different icons in one day (13 if you count benchmarks). There isn't any other place in the world you can think about going after this goal. The only icon we won't be able to grab is a MEGA event. We would LOVE to see a Wherigo placed in the immediate Seattle area before the first of May. The closest one that I see right now is over 100 miles away. Wherigo IN SEATTLE! Why not?

 

Thanks!

 

Camdenton, Mo.

[+Rose Red]

I am going to be in the Seattle/Tacoma area on a business trip from the 14th through the 20th and am looking not only to do some geocaching but some sightseeing as well, or as much as my job will permit. I am going to be there as a participant in the air show at McChord AFB. So, if anyone is willing to help get me started in a good direction either with geocaches and/or good restaurants we shoud try and get to (on a budget) that would be greatly appreciated. feel free to contact me through geocaching.com where I am known as BootsFlyer or via e-mail at mikeguard519-geocaching@yahoo.com.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

 

Let me know the next time that you plan to visit Portland, Oregon. Transportation is free from Lloyd Center throughout downtown area -- busses, streetcars, trolley, and MAX light rail. It makes it easy to search for geocaches, benchmarks and waymarks. For additional fare, you can visit Washington Park/Forest Park area.

[+gm]

Hi,

 

I will be visiting the Seattle Area from may 1st to may 11th. Together with team scratch1 from Saskatchewan I will go for the "Tunnel of Light" on may 4th.

Anyone who is in the area as well at that time is welcome to join us! I think it is much more fun going there in a group.

 

Greetings

Gerd from Germany

[+Wander Lost]

Hopefully you can stop by one of the many events happening on May 2nd. The biggest event of the day will be the Spring Fling in Port Orchard. It's a day long event with lots of fun, food and friendly people.

[+TotemLake]

You might also want to seek out the HOTM thread below. I'm organizing a Hike on May 10 for Mom's day. We'll enjoy having you along!

[+scratch1]

scratch1 from Saskatchewan will be joining gmoosmann on the Mission9: Tunnel of Light hike. If anyone has any advise for us we would greatly appreciate it. We do not have mountains in Saskatchewan so have not done any mountain caches yet. We can be contacted via email @ ml.cs@sasktel.net Looking forward to caching in the Seattle area.

[+hydnsek]

scratch1 from Saskatchewan will be joining gmoosmann on the Mission9: Tunnel of Light hike. If anyone has any advise for us we would greatly appreciate it. We do not have mountains in Saskatchewan so have not done any mountain caches yet. We can be contacted via email @ ml.cs@sasktel.net Looking forward to caching in the Seattle area.

Note that you won't be able to go through the tunnel to reach the cache, as it's closed indefinitely for repairs. You'll need to start from Annette Lake trailhead, the alternate routing mentioned on the cache page. Not sure whether there'll still be snow, but probably.

 

While you're down here, you might want to check out some of our other recommended caches on the Northwest Classics bookmark list.

Edited April 26, 2009 by hydnsek

[+Cat & Bobby]

Hello NW Cachers

Specifically those in Alaska.

We are planning a trip (land tour & cruise) in June, and will visit Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Alyesca, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan. We will get time to do some caching, but could use some help finding the "not to miss" caches near any of these locations. Any help out there??

Cat & Bobby of San Diego

[+DonB!]

Minnesotan in Issaquah for 4 days wants to do some caching.

 

I'm looking for someone that could show the caches that they think are "the best", "the neatest" or the "most unique" in the Issaquah area.

 

My cell phone, that I will have on starting Sunday AM is 320.279.1118

 

I will have my own car, and all mornings until 3 PM to go out hunting. By the time I leave on Wednesday night, I'd love to know that I had found some of the best in the area.

 

Also, being from Minnesota, I generally do not check back into the forums, so please contact me by cell any time after Sunday AM.

 

Sincerely appreciate it,

 

DonB!

Mora, MN

[+wimseyguy]

I just returned from a business trip to Portland, Oregon and I was able to visit Seattle/Tacoma as well. I had no idea that this forum site existed and wish I would have known before I left. I did receive several "must finds" from cachers in Delaware before I left, but visiting these forums would have given me a much better idea and preparation for my visit of caches to search for. I was also able to attend two events while in Seattle and want to comment that this is one beautiful area and the people that I met were welcoming and very friendly. Thanks for your postings.

Give us a heads up on your next visit and I'll be happy to set up a short hike for ya if the timing is right.

 

Fuggadabout the hike, I just want to sit and share a beer or three with you when I'm up there next summer.

I'm hoping you are half as entertaining in real life as you are in here.

[+TotemLake]

I just returned from a business trip to Portland, Oregon and I was able to visit Seattle/Tacoma as well. I had no idea that this forum site existed and wish I would have known before I left. I did receive several "must finds" from cachers in Delaware before I left, but visiting these forums would have given me a much better idea and preparation for my visit of caches to search for. I was also able to attend two events while in Seattle and want to comment that this is one beautiful area and the people that I met were welcoming and very friendly. Thanks for your postings.

Give us a heads up on your next visit and I'll be happy to set up a short hike for ya if the timing is right.

 

Fuggadabout the hike, I just want to sit and share a beer or three with you when I'm up there next summer.

I'm hoping you are half as entertaining in real life as you are in here.

I'm boring as all get.

 

I'll keep an eye out for your visit.

[+Vanelle]

This pinned topic was quite helpful, thank you. I'm headed out to Seattle on Friday to stay with friends for a week. Although they don't cache, the were kind enough to take me over to Groundspeak Headquarters and accompany me to the APE last time I visited.

 

I see some familiar names in this forum (folks I've met at GCF and seen in the geocoin forum) -- maybe we could plan a little caching together? It would be great to have a local guide, and I could spare my muggle friends.

[+kfl]

Hi,

 

I will be visiting Portland mid of November (16.-18.). Coming so close to the Ape cache, I am of course thinking about trying it. I can imagine that some of you got it already, but some also might not have it yet. So I do have a couple of questions:

 

- I know it will be winter and this is not the best time of year to try it, but I do not have a choice. How bad should I expect this to be? Google Maps thinks this is a three-hour drive from Portland, but I am not so sure that this is correct in the winter, with a rental car ...

 

- I know I will have to come from the west - did anyone do this and could give me an estimate of what I should expect in terms of time and hike?

 

- Most of all I would be very (!) happy to be not alone on that trip. Is anyone interested? I do plan to do this on November 16th, but this is a Monday. If I could find someone to join me - maybe even with his/her own car (of course I would pay the gas), I would consider coming a day earlier so that we could do it on the Sunday of the 15th. But I would need to know this quite soon.

 

thanks, kfl

[+WeightMan]

Hi,

 

I will be visiting Portland mid of November (16.-18.). Coming so close to the Ape cache, I am of course thinking about trying it. I can imagine that some of you got it already, but some also might not have it yet. So I do have a couple of questions:

 

- I know it will be winter and this is not the best time of year to try it, but I do not have a choice. How bad should I expect this to be? Google Maps thinks this is a three-hour drive from Portland, but I am not so sure that this is correct in the winter, with a rental car ...

 

- I know I will have to come from the west - did anyone do this and could give me an estimate of what I should expect in terms of time and hike?

 

- Most of all I would be very (!) happy to be not alone on that trip. Is anyone interested? I do plan to do this on November 16th, but this is a Monday. If I could find someone to join me - maybe even with his/her own car (of course I would pay the gas), I would consider coming a day earlier so that we could do it on the Sunday of the 15th. But I would need to know this quite soon.

 

thanks, kfl

You might be OK on the snow. I don't think the ski areas open up much before Thanksgiving, if they open that early. I'm not a skier so I can't say for sure. Expect wet if not cold though. I would allow more time than three hours to drive up from Portland.

[+Dgwphotos]

I would allow more time than three hours to drive up from Portland.

 

I agree. My parents usually allow 4 hours to Portland, and we are 30 miles from the APE cache, as the crow flies, and it's 20 miles to North Bend, and at least that to the trailhead from North Bend. I'd give at least 6 hours.

[+FlagMan]

So a bunch of us are coming up from San Diego for GWVIII and are looking for some nice hikes to do the week before the event. We will probably book our hotel rooms based on the location of the best scenic caching hikes. Anything within 100 miles of the event would probably be OK. Any suggestions? Ideal situation would be nice trails with lots of caches that are all terrain 3.5 or lower...

 

Thanks, -FlagMan

 

BTW, most of us have already done the APE cache, the Original Stash and HQ...

Edited January 12, 2010 by FlagMan