Mt. Schofield Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
A cache hidden on the summit of Mt. Schofield, past Horne Lake and behind Mt. Mark.
Elevation: 1133m
Approximately 6.5 hours round trip.
THERE IS NO TRAIL TO THIS GEOCACHE. IT IS A BUSHWHACK 100% OF THE WAY.
I hid this cache with my grandpa (yetisue) who first climbed Mt. Schofield in the early 60s. He was a young man who lived in Port Alberni and would scramble up the steep, forested slopes of the mountain to hunt for deer.
It is a tough hike, with absolutely no trail to follow the entire way up. There is an old, debuilt logging road that zigzags its way up part of the slope, but if you choose to follow this route you will have to leave the road eventually and return to the jungle.
We parked at N49 23.400 W124 49.046 and headed basically due north straight up until we reached the first logging road. From there, we followed it to our left and went up around the first switchback. At the second switchback we left the road and scrambled up the worst bit of the slope to the top of the ridge where you can find a large pond. At this point we simply went up as far as we could towards the summit of Mt. Schofield.
Because my grandpa had first hiked this mountain in 1961, 50 years ago, we decided to build a cairn atop the summit in celebration. Enjoy the views and be careful on your way up and on your way down.
Driving directions: Drive into Horne lake and go towards the caves. Before the parking lot turn right and follow the road up the valley. After km10 DO NOT turn left onto the bridge. Instead, remain right and follow the main road until you reach the parking coordinates.
This cache is not for the faint of heart. This does not mean you need to be young to do it; my grandpa lead the way with an astonishing 69 years behind him.
GOOD LUCK
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
pnvea