This is a virtual multicache that will take you to four
interpretive signs along the Cougar Bay Preserve trail system. You
will learn about the history, watershed, wetlands, flora and fauna
of the local area.
The coordinates above are for the parking area. The cache
consists of the following waypoints:
1. N 47 39.427; W 116 50.279
2. N 47 39.345; W 116 50.255
3. N 47 39.684; W 116 49.824
4. N 47 39.637; W 116 49.951
To log the cache:
1. Email me the titles of the interpretive signs at each of the
four waypoints, and
2. Do some CITO and include in your log entry the fact that you did
CITO. Honor system; I trust you.
There are several interpretive signs that I have not listed.
Enjoy all of them! I have seen deer, moose and many species of
birds during my many treks here. I have also run across elk and
bear sign, although I have never encountered any actual elk or
bear. The hike is 2.25 miles with a total elevation gain of about
300 feet. There are some steep sections and a few overgrown areas.
All in all it is a mild challenge for anyone in decent hiking
shape. Have fun!
The Cougar Bay wetland, and many others like it, filter ground
water and are an important source for recharging the Spokane
Aquifer. The Spokane aquifer is a huge underground body of water
that runs from the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille, beneath the
Rathdrum Prairie, Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes, Coeur d’Alene and the
Spokane Valley, to the Columbia Plateau west of the city of
Spokane. It was created during the last glacial period which lasted
from 1.6 million to 12,000 years ago. It is the chief source of
water for the greater Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area. Pollutants dumped
or spilled on the ground above the aquifer can make their way into
our drinking water supply.
Here are some fascinating facts about the aquifer:
Groundwater inflow from Idaho, including this wetland, accounts
for 39% of the Spokane aquifer’s recharge supply. It’s capacity 10
Trillion gallons. The flow rate is 400 cubic feet per second. It
ranges from a few inches to over 500 feet thick. The first public
wells to tap the aquifer were drilled by the city of Spokane in
1907 In the early 20th century, the water in the Spokane Aquifer
was considered to be the purest water in the world. (Source: The
Spokane Valley – Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Atlas)