Big Run Waterfall Cache Traditional Cache
89SC: I'm going to do something different with this one.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is hidden near a series of three waterfalls on Big Run in the Blackwater Canyon. It's a beautiful area that's not well known. The cache site is on an overlook with a nice view of the canyon.
This is a cache for those who like challenges. Check the terrain rating. It's not going to be easy and you probably shouldn't do it alone. It requires a water crossing, some rock climbing, and battling rhododendron. When you reach the upper waterfall, you’ll need to cross the stream to the large rock formation. Work your way around to the left. The cache container is a .50 caliber ammo can on a ledge near the top. You won’t be able to climb to it from directly below without climbing gear. I found an easier way up but the top is completely covered with rhododendron that you’ll have to fight through to get to the overlook. The cache is at the highest part of the overlook on a ledge one step down from the top. It looks like good rattlesnake territory so be careful in warm weather. Like most mountain streams, the water level varies according to the weather. You won’t want to go after a lot of rain or snow melt. This cache is best reached by taking US Route 219. Half way between Parson and Thomas you will need to turn southeast on FR 717. A little ways in, you’ll see FR18 branch off to the left. It’s rough and muddy and has some big holes. It had gravel put down part of the way in sometime before I placed the cache. You’ll need a good 4 wheel drive to make it all the way to the campground. I drove as far as I could in my Fiesta and parked along the road. There are some wide spots along the way. I’ll include some coordinates for two of them. There is a sign for the Canyon Rim Trail just past the camping area. A little farther down the road, look for a trail to the right and a wooden post among some rocks. The trail isn’t well traveled but you will hear the falls from the road. Follow the trail to the left of the small feeder stream. It will take you to the bottom of the upper fall.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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