Got Signal? Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Signal Peak . . . a lookout site without a view? Really!
In 1959, a wooden lookout was built by the DNR on this 3286' high mountain. The lookout was staffed until 1967 and was gone by 1970. If you check out the photo of the original lookout (on Rex's Lookout website), you'll see that there was probably a great view at one time. But during the 35+ years since the lookout was removed, the trees have grown and the view is gone. But you can glimpse some peek-a-boo views as you near the top.
There are what look to be a few remnants of the old lookout here and there -- old cement pier blocks being rapidly overtaken by brambles and an anchor point in the woods. But now, all you'll really find on Signal Peak is a communications tower and its related equipment, and this cache which is good for one smiley and may help you in your pursuit of the Washington Forest Fire Lookout Challenge.
Getting there:
This cache is located about 17 miles east of Castle Rock in Cowlitz County. The drive is pleasant along dirt roads suitable for all types of street legal passenger vehicles. However, there is logging in the area and due care should be taken. (We saw only one logging truck early on in our journey, on a Thursday afternoon.) To access the lookout site, you will cross St. Helen's Tree Farm (Weyerhaeuser) land to access the public land beyond. (See photo of sign.) Our journey to the site was fairly straight forward -- maps and auto-routing were useful.
About the cache:
- You are looking for a Lock 'n' Lock very close to the lookout site. It is very nearly a drive-by cache.
- The cache is in the woods, so there may be accuracy issues. However, making use of the hints should insure that you find it.
- Please be gentle as you search. There will be no need to climb anything or tear anything apart to find the joy. Look for that which doesn't belong. Just to be sure, the cache has been beta-tested (by LogBear) and all seemed in order.
- FTF prize is an iron-on, glow-in-the-dark 'CACHE ON' patch, and bragging rights.
Finally, please let me know if there are problems with either the cache or coordinates. Most importantly, have fun!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Whfg vafvqr jbbqf orybj ebnq; arkg gb gerr & haqre ybt