About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon.
NOTE: I had a cache here before; I am bringing it back as part of the SideTracked Series for my Birthday.
About Valley & Siletz RR History
The Valley & Siletz Railroad was a logging railroad that ran from Independence into the coast range to the town of Valsetz. The town was named after the railroad. Construction started in 1912. Unlike many other branch lines in the Valley, this railroad was never owned by the Southern Pacific. Boise-Cascade was the line's last operator until the mill at Valsetz and the rest of the town shuddered in 1978. 2 miles of trackage survived in Independence until the Mountain Fir lumber company closed in 1992. At the northern end of town, there is still some track left of the old V&S last run by the Willamette Valley Railway. Now it just services an old RR shop, and not much happens on this line today.
The cache is located across the street from the V&S Depot. Although this can't be the original spot as the line was further west of the active railroad thru town (former SP, now Portland & western Line to Corvallis). But there is an excellent interpretive sign with a map of the line!