1st Timers


Finding your first Geocache

Step 1 – Researching the Cache

Keep in mind that distances can be deceiving. When you’re using your GPS unit to find a cache, the unit only knows how close the site is as the crow flies (a direct line). You may be a mile from the cache, but there may be a river in the way, or a near-vertical climb involving 3 miles of switchbacks, or a mountain – you get the picture.
  1. Read the cache page. The page will provide a map, details about the cache and a clue once you get to the cache site.
  2. Use a map if your gps does not have a map feature.
  3. If you have a good idea of the area, you can navigate via the GPS unit.

You’ll most likely need to do all three things to prepare and reach the geocache.  
Getting within a mile or two of the site isn’t usually too difficult – it’s the last mile that’ll get you every time. You will want to ensure your success in finding the cache so do a little homework.

Step 2 – Preparation

Preparation is key in any kind of outdoor activity, but you can never stress enough the importance of preparation and safety. Keep these tips in mind when searching for a cache:
  1. Have a buddy with you! Never go off into the woods or remote locations without a partner, especially when Geocaching. We don’t want you focusing on your GPS unit and walking off a cliff.
  2. Many of the caches are off-trail, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings. If you’re concentrating on your GPS unit, look around you occasionally for holes, bears, etc.
  3. Bring and drink plenty of water, and don’t drink directly from a stream!     

Step 3 – The Hunt

Now you’re ready for the hunt.
  1. It should be pretty straightforward to get within a mile or so from the cache (unless it’s deep off-trail). If you’ve done your research, follow the map more than the GPS unit (although we keep ours on the whole time). It’s inevitable that you’ll lose signal from overhanging trees, mountains, etc.
  2. It’s always good to have a compass on hand if your GPS unit doesn’t have one.
  3. When you leave your car, mark its location as a waypoint! Sounds silly, but once you get deep into the cache hunt, it’s easy to get disoriented. We’ve learned this from experience!
  4. When you get close to the Geocache (within 300 feet, which is the length of a football field), make sure to check your GPS unit signal. Sometimes the signal will have an error between 25-200 feet. Don’t concentrate as much on the arrow as the distance decreasing, as you get closer to the site.
  5. For the last 30 feet, use a compass or a gps feature point to point for the direction of the cache.
  6. The final 30-100 feet is the hardest. It helps to think like the person who hid the cache. If there are stumps around, investigate around the base. Check for a pile of rocks. Some stashes, especially in people-trafficked areas, are pretty ingeniously hidden, so it helps to know the container they used.

Step 4 – The Find

Whoo Hoo! You found the cache! Congratulations! Now what?
  • Usually you take an item and leave an item, and enter your name and experience you had into the log book. Some people prefer to just enter their name into the log book. It’s an accomplishment enough to locate the cache.
  • Make sure to seal the cache and place it back where you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace them. It’s pretty straightforward.
  • Remember that waypoint we suggested you create where your car/trail was located? Use that now to get back! You’ll be glad you had it.
  • When you get home, log on to Geocaching.com and log your find, this is a great place to tell of your adventure finding your first cache or your 1001st cache! The owner of the cache is always happy to know the condition of their cache and it’s nice to know that people are looking for them and having a fun and safe search.

Great work! After several trips to geocaches in your area, you’ll be ready to place your own. Welcome to the exciting world of Geocaching!