The Hanging Valley Traditional Geocache
MT Fellwalker: The Kootenai National Forest has requested at this time that no caches be placed in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. If the cache owner can work out an agreement with the land managers, this cache can be unarchived.
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(regular)
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A suspended valley at 6,400 feet encompassing two beautiful and remote lakes on the western flank of 7,700 foot Treasure Mountain in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.
The Hanging Valley is rimmed by 7000+ foot ridges and gaurded by an imposing granite saddle limiting access to anyone not prepared for a gruelling climb up a primative trail. Once there, two large lakes provide ample potential for further exploration, primative camping and fishing. The upper lake, where the cache is hidden is 400 feet above the smaller lower lake. 7,700 foot Treasure Mountain is a short scramble away offering views of Snoeshoe and "A" Peaks from atop.
There's bear in them there hills, so take the necessary precautions. Overnighters will find a few choice primative campsites near the shores of both lakes. The trek to the upper lake is a 10 mile round trip with approx. 3,000 feet of elevation gain., most of which is reserved for the final 2 miles of the hike.
To get there, turn west on Shaughnessey Rd. a half mile south of Libby, Mt. off Hwy. 2. At the top of the hill, bear right for approx. 1/2 mile to Flower Creek Rd. #128. Follow this road and/or signs about 6 miles to the Flower Cr. (Sky Lakes) trailhead. Take the Flower Cr. (Sky Lakes) trail #137 approx. 2 3/4 miles to a camping area adjacent to Flower Creek. This is the junction with the Hanging Valley trail #135 where a small sign pointing to the trail is posted on a tree. (See photos). Trail 135 crosses the creek and begins a very rugged 2 1/2 mile climb to the upper lake. This primative, unmaintained trail is faint in some areas and route finding may be required. A portion of this trail is very steep...very steep and demands extreme care.
The trail is rugged, but as of this writing has limited treefall. Be aware of game trails shooting off the main trail which can be confusing in some spots. The main trail basically climbs the eastern countours of a 6000 foot ridge above the Hanging Creek drainage and will take you to the granite saddle leading into the valley. Once over the saddle, follow the creek to the lower lake. The trail to the upper lake is on the west side of of the lower lake.
Consult a topo or Cabinet Mountain Wilderness map for this one and don't forget the essentials for backcountry travel. The cache is a tupperware container loaded with goodies. Spoiler photos are available if needed. Happy, Healthful Hiking!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybpngrq va gur perinff bs gur sverjnyy.