Echo Reach (5.8) Traditional Cache

This cache is a small preform-like tube hidden at the top of the 5.8 sport climbing route Echo Reach. This route is an amazing featured limestone slab climb at the Lower Alphabet climbing crag at Quaite Valley.

Park at the Quaite Valley parking lot and hike south along the Quaite Valley Trail for about 1.5 kilometers. There will be two leftward bends in the trail, and ahead you will see cliffs on both sides of the valley. Head forward and watch for a rock cairn on the left (waypoint provided). A rough trail gives access to the bottom of the Lower Alphabet Crag about 20 meters away from the Quaite Valley Trail.

The climbs at the Alphabet Crags are on slabby limestone (not polished!) with lots of nice features. Echo Reach in particular is one of my favourite routes because it's fun and relatively easy. It is a 5.8 (YDS) 20 meter route that is well protected with 6 stainless steel bolts and a solid 2 bolt anchor. You will need at least a 50 meter rope to safely ascend and descend the route.

Note that climbing gear and experience sport climbing is essential for this cache - do not attempt to scramble or otherwise reach this cache without a rope. This is a significant challenge requiring specialized climbing skills, equipment and a knowledgeable partner as a belayer. You will need experience lead climbing as this climb cannot safely be set up for top rope or rappel from above. Even once you reach GZ, finding the cache could prove to be a major challenge due to the number of potential hiding spots. Read the hint to help simplify your search.