Molalla to launch geocaching challenge

The Molalla Geocaching Challenge launches this weekend, sponsored by the city of Molalla and Molalla Area Chamber of Commerce.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that has become a popular hobby worldwide, with participants using GPS devices and clues posted online to locate hidden containers (caches).

“It’s a fun way to attract visitors to Molalla,” Mayor Mike Clarke said in a press release. “While they’re here looking for hidden caches, they may discover our elk farm, our train park, our BMX track, or our nature park and want to come back for another visit.”

The first 250 participants who complete the challenge will receive a free Molalla medallion at the chamber of commerce office.

Ten caches have been hidden as part of the challenge and the locations of each cache, along with clues for tracking them down, will be posted on www.geocaching.com by Friday, Nov. 13. Each cache will include a code word, which participants must correctly identify if they wish to receive the medallion.

Those who find all 10 code words will be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate at the Farmstead Restaurant and Pub.

“Here’s yet another way to celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday with a Molalla spin,” Molalla City Manager John Atkins said in a press release. “We’re giving people the chance to see where we have come from and where we are now—the hunt should prove as gratifying as the coins.”

Each medallion, also known as a geocoin, is inscribed with a unique code, allowing the owner to register the coin online if they choose and hide it in another cache. The coin’s whereabouts can then be tracked online as geocachers move it from cache to cache.

Brochures about the treasure hunt will be available at Molalla City Hall, the Molalla Area Chamber of Commerce and on the city’s Web site, www.cityofmolalla.com.

Funding for the coins was provided by the Clackamas County Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Atkins said.

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Dananderson from Molalla
11/10/2009 9:05:36 PM

I'm surprised the Pioneer neglected to mention the concept of geocaching began in Oregon (Beavercreek) back in 2006. Although the connection may be unintentional by city leaders, using this game to promote Oregon's 150th is a nice way to celebrate a piece of the state's lesser known history.
 
bethanymonroe from Molalla
11/12/2009 3:15:29 PM

Dan,You're right about geocaching having local roots, although it actually dates farther back than 2006. The Pioneer did a story about it last spring. You can find it by hitting "search" at the top of this page and then clicking "Archives on or before Aug. 15, 2009" (found in the right column) and searching the word geocaching. I wish I had a direct link to the story to make it easier to find, but I don't. The story is titled "Molalla-area hobby quickly becomes worldwide pursuit" and was published April 22, 2009.