Mount Konocti is a volcano which last erupted 10,000 years ago. In the Pomo Indian language the name "Konocti" means “mountain woman”. If you are driving down Highway 53 in Clearlake near the hospital turn off at 18th Ave and look towards Mt. Konocti you can make out the silhouette of a reclining woman.
Local people all “know” that Konocti is covered with natural caves. During the past century most of these caves had collapsed or were filled in for safety. The Pomo Indians have told stories of throwing sticks into Mt. Konocti’s crater and then later found them floating in the lake. Another legend was told that after a long drought in 1818, the level of Clear Lake dropped so low that a cave on the eastern flank of Konocti was exposed allowing a group of Pomo men to enter the cave. They discovered a vast underground lake which had “eyeless fish”. Many modern day divers have tried to locate this cave but they have all been unsuccessful.
Another belief says that Konocti’s central magma chamber is a vast, empty vertical cavern, partly filled with Clear Lake water. If this is the case, then this might be the largest cavern on Earth. This hide is in a large boulder field with many caves large enough for people to enter. I’ve explored some of them and if I was about half the size of my present weight I might be able to go much deeper into the caves.
During my exploring there was one short cave which caught my eye. Inside were ice drapery and stalactites. Yes, it was cold that day. Also, in the same cave there was a shaft of light hitting the top of a rock like a dim spotlight. And in that spotlight was a small patch of green moss.
The posted coords will take you to a flat rock formation allowing a great vista view of the valley below. The cache has no camo but it is hidden very well inside one of the caves. I approached the hide from the old homestead. There is some light bushwhacking and you might meet up with poison oak and ticks. These caves make great homes for bobcat, mountain lions, bears, rattlesnakes and other critters. The boulders are covered in moss making slipping and falling a real threat so please play it safe, go slow, and watch out for those critters. I am in my mid 60's with a bum shoulder placing the hide when the moss covered boulders were covered in snow and ice. You won't find the cache in a really dangerous to reach location so don't try hanging over the cliff during the hunt. And don't forget your flashlight.
WARNING: Two rattlesnakes were spotted in the area on 12 Apr 2012. Be very careful out there!