The Cache
The cache is best accessed by parking next to the old Crystal Creek Ranger Station. It's an easy walk through the meadow and an easy scramble down the short bank to where the cache is located. The ground near the cache is damp and soft in places, but should not be too hard to get to. There was evidence of Elk all along the trail and in the area of the cache.
Location
The Crystal Springs area is at the North Arch entryway into Mt. Rainier National Park and the junction of the road up to the Crystal Mountain Ski Area.
In the summer, a forest service campground is open with reservable campsites that are situated next to the White River. Old growth forests and river side views, fishing, trails, and a surprise cache brings campers back year after year.
In the winter, a Snow Park area is available next to the gate into the national park, which will be closed. Snow in the winter time can be hit and miss at this altitude of 2,500 feet, but skiing or snowshoeing through the campground or up the road into the park offers amazing scenery and in-the-woods winter experiences.
History
The National Forest Service built a guard station here shortly after World War One. In the early days, it was a remote outpost, situated 35 miles from Enumclaw up a primitive dirt road.
The original building burned to the ground in 1930 and the log structure we see today was built the following year and used as an office. Additional buildings were constructed in the back lot to serve as a work center. In the years following, the Forest Service was tasked with establishing the road network for timber harvesting, fire suppression, and forest access. The nearby campgrounds, recreation trails, and ski areas came into existence during this period.
Now the old guard station serves as a visitor center in a unique partnership with the Forest Service and tourist agencies. When open in the summertime, it serves as a local history museum of the station. Old photos line the wall and a friendly face will greet you if you are lucky enough to venture inside. The area is still a Forest Service work center and employee housing.
Parking Fees
In the summer, a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park in picnic area of the campground. In the winter, a State Park Sno-Park Permit is required. No parking fees needed to park in the visitor center car park.
References
- Visit Rainier - Campground
- Washington State Parks Snow Park
- Parking Passes
2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and to celebrate, Visit Rainier and WSGA hosted the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - 100 caches placed in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The geocaches highlighted the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Rainier region. Participants received geocoin and pathtag prizes for finding all the caches.
