Geocaching
What Is It?
Geocaching is an outdoor adventure game played by global positioning system (GPS) users. Participants search for hidden containers, called geocaches, and then share their experiences online. Caches are typically waterproof containers of varying sizes and shapes, holding miscellaneous items such as logbooks and trinkets. Individuals and organizations have set up caches all over the world and share the locations on geocaching websites.
Geocaching on BLM Public Lands
There are no designated geocaching areas on public lands managed by the BLM in Oregon and Washington. However, BLM welcomes this activity in appropriate locations on public lands when it is conducted with minimal impact to the environment.
Geocaching DO's
Recreation Reminder
There's no excuse for abuse. Please contact your local BLM office if you observe any misuse or abuse of a cache location.
- DO know before you go:
- Select terrain and difficulty level rating based on your outdoor skills.
- Determine local rules follow them.
- Check local weather conditions.
- DO be Safe:
- Carry supplies such as water, food, extra clothes, map and compass.
- Let someone know your destination and expected return.
- Be mindful of the environment; turn back if the route is too difficult, the weather changes, or night falls.
- DO minimize your impacts:
- Travel Sustainably to your destination.
- Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly as you search.
- Cache In, Trash Out.
- Search for "virtual caches," "earth caches," and USGS Benchmarks.
- DO contact your local BLM office BEFORE:
Geocaching DON'Ts
- DON'T place caches in Wilderness.
- DON'T place caches at or damage cultural and archeological sites.
- DON'T create user trails to hidden caches.
- DON'T disrupt wildlife.