In this model, the Grouse Ridge Lookout represents the Sun, and each “cache” represents the location of a planet at its scale orbit. The lookout building is the correct scale size of Sol for this model – 14.4 feet across. (Ok, so it’s a square Sun, sorry!) Some caches have a reference stick – a tagged object in the cache of the correct size – but please bring a measuring tape or something to use (reference sticks have been known to wander off!)
Please Note: Most of this series lies above 7000 feet. The caches are under snow from about November to late May.
Scale model of the Solar System – 8 of 9
Scale: 1 inch equals 5000 miles
Object: Neptune
Actual size: 30,778 mi
Actual orbit: 2,798,655,849 mi
Scale size: 6.16 in
Scale orbit: 46,644 ft (8.83 mi)
Coordinates in Listing:
N39 17.573
W120 30.438
On the Loch Leven Trail, this cache generally involves a day hike by itself. I wouldn’t plan on hitting any others (except maybe Uranus, or Pluto) on the same day. It’s true that it is only a 2.5 mile walk, but it’s a rather intense 2.5 miles. You will gain about 1000′ of elevation, and the trail is Very Rocky. The spot is actually 8.6 miles from Sol, which makes it .14 miles inside the minimum orbit of Neptune. The error factor is less than 2%, which should be acceptable.
Cache is a red Gummie Bear tin. It’s not the most water tight container, but it’s the perfect size for Neptune.
Steep, rocky terrain. Not recommended for small children.