Scouting out a great cache location

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In this blog, we will discuss specifics on the subject of hiding a geocache.

Most of the following comes directly from the Geocaching.com website. Their explanation of how to place a cache is the best so here it is:

Step 1 – Research a cache location

Geocaching is just like real estate – location, location, location! When thinking about where to place a cache, keep these things in mind:

• Will it be easy to get to? – If it is only a couple hundred feet from the highway, there’s a strong chance someone may plunder it. Try to find a place that will take a bit of time to get to, preferably on foot.
• Will it be easy to find? – If it is too visible, or too close to busy roads, trails, etc. there’s a good chance someone may stumble upon it. Several of the original caches were discovered this way, but the people who found it were nice enough to leave them there (or participate). But don’t make it too difficult! If you hide it well, give hints on geocaching.com as to the location.
• Will it be on private or public land? – If you place it on private land, please ask permission before putting it there! If you place the cache on public lands you need to contact the managing agency to find out about their rules. You will be in violation of federal regulation by placing a cache in any area administered by the National Park Service (US). The National Park regulations are intended to protect the fragile environment, and historical and cultural areas found in the parks. The exception to this is Earthcaches. Earthcaches are allowed on land administered by the National Park Service, HOWEVER, you MUST get written permission from the Park Superintendent (or designated representative) BEFORE the cache will be allowed to be published.

• Will it cause unnecessary concern? – Please use common sense when choosing a location for your cache. Do not place your cache in any location where it might be confused with something more dangerous. An example would be, do not place your cache under an Interstate bridge. It could be mistaken for a bomb.
• Does it meet requirements to be listed on the site? – Make sure to review the guidelines for listing a geocache on the Geocaching.com web site during your research. These guidelines will give you all the info you need to make your decision as to where you should place your cache and still be able to get it approved.

You are ultimately responsible for the cache so make sure you know the rules for the area where your cache is being placed.

Ultimately you’ll want to place a cache in a place that is unique in some way. The big reward for geocachers, other than finding the cache itself, is the location. A prime camping spot, great viewpoint, unusual location, etc. are all good places to hide a cache.

Note: Please be respectful of the areas you are thinking about placing the cache. For example, if it’s the location of the spotted owl, or off-trail with delicate ground cover, keep in mind that others will be walking in these areas.

Please do not place caches on archaeological or historical sites, UNLESS you get permission from the agency or person in charge of the site. Written permission is best. In most cases these areas are highly sensitive to the extra traffic that would be caused by vehicles and humans. There are many places that would be great for a cache but at the same time, placing a cache there would unduly harm the place you are trying to get people to see.

It is very important for all cachers to be cognizant of the fact that a core value of caching is to protect the land. Don’t try to skirt the guidelines. We may not always agree with them but they are there for a reason.

Step 2 – Placing Your Cache

When you reach the location to place your cache, the hardest part (depending on the model of your GPS unit, the terrain, etc), is getting exact coordinates from your GPS unit. It all depends on how visible your cache is, but you’ll need to get the coordinates as close as possible to the cache.

Some GPS units have the ability to do averaging, but if yours can’t, the best suggestion is to take a waypoint, walk away from the location, then return and take another waypoint. Do this around 7-10 times, then pick the best waypoint (I’ve done this with a Garmin eTrex on a cache)

Once you have your waypoint, write it in permanent marker on the container, the log book, and make sure you have a copy to bring back with you. Write a few notes in the log book if you like, place it in a zip-loc baggie, and place it in the container. Make sure to secure the container with a rock, etc, to decrease the chance of it blowing, floating, or being carried away.

Step 3 – Report the Cache

Fill out the online form

Just follow the instructions on the form. They are pretty self explanitory.

Make sure you check “this cache is active” or it will not be submitted to the Volunteer Reviewer.

After you finish filling out the form, your cache will be submitted to the Volunteer Reviewer that covers the area where the cache is hidden. Most Volunteer Reviewers are located in your state, but not always. Your Reviewer could be located anywhere because some of them cover large geographical areas that are not limited to their own state boundaries.

Please remember your Volunteer Reviewer is just that… a VOLUNTEER. They are not payed to do what they do. They get hundreds of caches submitted to them every week and have to deal with many different people (cachers) with many different personalities. Sometimes people get upset with them when they will not publish a cache or have a difference of opinion as to the interpretation of the cache guidelines. I have found, if you are nice to them, they will be nice to you. If they send a note back to you telling you to tweak your cache, don’t take it personally. They are just doing their job.

Your Reviewer will review your cache submission to make sure it meets all the guidelines set forth by Geocaching.com. If it does not meet the guidelines, he or she will send you a note telling you what you will need to fix in order to get the cache published. Sometimes it will take a few correspondences to get things right. Just be patient and work with them. Ask questions if you don’t understand what you are supposed to do.

Step 4 – Maintain the cache

Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to maintain the cache and the area around it. You’ll need to return as often as you can to ensure that your cache is not impacting the area, and ensure that the cache is in good repair.

Once people have visited the cache, inquire about the cache and their opinion of the location. Does the area look disturbed? Are visitors disrupting the landscape in any way? If you have concerns about the location, feel free to move or remove it from the area.

Congratulations! You’ve just hidden your first cache!!!

Click on the picture below for more information about one of our first cache placements.

Next time we will discuss Geocaching terminology so you can get familiar with the lingo.

Happy Caching!