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Mission 9: Tunnel of Light Project APE Cache

Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   large (large)

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Geocache Description:


This cache is a Project APE cache, a cache hidden with permission for the Planet of the Apes Promotion in 2001. Moun10Bike and Jeremy were the original covert placers of the cache, but Moun10Bike has since taken over complete ownership. When the cache was placed, it contained a torch from the movie. The description in green below was the original description for the cache:

Project APE's success continues as our movement continues to grow beyond what we ever thought possible. For this mission we are heading back to the Northwest, where we are sure to keep our momentum going. Our confidence as a group is growing, but don't let our past success blind us to the constant threat we face. We still hear and receive daily reports of undercover federal agents stalking our team. Remain diligent and stay alert. Remember, anyone you don't know is a possible enemy to our mission.

Below is our field agent's report for the mission at hand:

"This mission is not going to be an easy one. The hike will not be as scenic as some of the other missions, but you'll be on a great adventure. You'll need to wear a good pair of waterproof boots, or an old pair of sneakers. A flashlight is necessary, even if you go during the day.

This is a creepy, historical and very cool spot. Be ready for a unique hike, but beware because in parts you'll be sitting ducks for the authorities. So move fast and keep a good eye on your back to make sure you're not tailed. Good luck!"



Cache Details:

There are two major means of access to the cache location:

  • The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
    The shortest route along the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, a.k.a. the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, a.k.a. the Iron Horse Trail, begins from the Iron Horse Trailhead at Hyak, which is accessed off of Exit 54 on Interstate 90. The trailhead is an expansive parking lot operated by the State Parks with restroom facilities and is the major access point for the 2-1/4 mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel, the feature for which the cache is named and through which you must travel to access the cache.

    Note that a Discover Pass parking permit is required to park at this trailhead..

    Also please note that the tunnel is closed each year between roughly Nov. 1 and May 1 due to the dangerous icicles that form inside from seep water. You can learn the status of the tunnel by calling (509) 656-2230.

    Round-Trip Distance: About 6 miles (10 k)
    Elevation Gain: Minimal

  • The Annette Lake Trail
    The Annette Lake Trailhead is located off of Interstate 90 at Exit 47 (signed "Denny Creek/Asahel Curtis"). Turn south at the exit to the junction with Tinkham Road (Forest Road #55), then go left for a quarter-mile to the large parking lot. Once out of your car, follow the Annette Lake Trail uphill from the trailhead (not to be confused with the gated Forest Road #5590, which also leads uphill from the parking lot). Keep on this trail until you reach the junction with the Iron Horse Trail, which is provided as an additional waypoint in the cache description. Be sure to ignore the old, overgrown powerline road that juts off toward the left (east) about halfway to the junction with the Iron Horse.

    Note that a Northwest Forest Pass Day ePass, regular Day Pass, or Annual Pass is needed to park at this trailhead.

    Round-Trip Distance: About 4 miles (6.4 k)
    Elevation Gain: About 575 feet (175 m)

Many thanks to Hypnopaedia for maintaining the tribute cache at this location for the years when the original container was missing (from June of 2011 through August of 2017), and to Washington State Parks and Ranger Rick Oakley for their help in getting this cache reinstated.


  1. The geocache may be placed on Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission managed property only by written permission from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
  2. The following items shall not be placed in the geocache: Food items; illegal substances; medications; personal hygiene products, pornographic materials; inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials or weapons of any type. Log books are required for each cache and are to be provided by the owner of the cache.
  3. It is the visitor’s responsibility to orient themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
  4. Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)