As the Artisians say, “It’s the Water” I’ve placed bottles of water up here to quench the parched throats of cachers who have climbed the butte. But alas, nothing is truly free. If you partake of the water, you take on the obligation. The obligation to do a kind deed for another.
This “pass it forward” kindness can be shared or kept private. You are welcome to swap trade goods and I’ve even left a small seed of them in the cache to get you started. But, be clear: If you take the water, you take on the obligation. And you can’t settle this karmic debt with McToys. Please make a note of how many bottles are left when you log your find so I can keep it stocked.
I’m not being completely altruistic. From my first visit to Grant Butte, I been in love with this hill. I’ve hunted a couple caches up here and this is the second I’ve placed here. Servicing this cache is an excuse and motivation to get me up here. I always feel great after climbing around up here. I hope it has the same effect on you.
I’ve found two good jump off points and three routes to get you up on top. I’ve detailed them bellow:
N 45 29.81 W 122 28.03 - NW 1st St. Trailhead:
Park in the neighborhood and follow the trail that skirts the South side of the chain-link fence. From the back corner of the fence you can:
a) Charge straight up the hill to the North. This is way steep and not much fun but it gets you there the quickest. If the ground id even slightly wet this trail may be too slippery to navigate. About 4/10th mile each way.
b: Follow the trail east. This is by far my favorite. It will loop you, counterclockwise, up and around the butte on a much gentler and scenic route. The trail is good with switchbacks to ease your accent. Trip of about ¾ mile each way.
N 45 30.15 W 122 28.16 - 187th & SE Clinton:
From here straight up the old service road. Steep but straight. It's about 1/2 mile each way. Avoid the temptation to skip the old road and go charging directly up the slope. It is a dead end so steep as to require climbing a rope to get up.
Be sure to visit B is for Butte:
& Rat Race:
while you are up here. A certain local mistery cache may also bring you into this area.