Historic Geocaches Worth Visiting (U.S. Edition)
For American geocachers, there’s something special about visiting the game’s historic hides right here in the U.S. These caches aren’t just containers — they’re milestones in the story of geocaching itself. If you’re planning a road trip or building your geocaching bucket list, these legendary U.S. caches deserve a spot.
1. The Original Stash Tribute Plaque – GC92 (Oregon)
📅 Placed: May 2000
📍 Near Estacada, Oregon
While the very first geocache (placed by Dave Ulmer in May 2000) no longer exists, this tribute cache marks the birthplace of geocaching. A bronze plaque sits at the historic location, with a traditional cache nearby for players to log. Visiting this site is like paying homage at geocaching’s “ground zero.”
2. Mingo – GC30 (Kansas)
📅 Placed: May 2000
📍 Along I-70 near Colby, Kansas
Mingo holds the title of the oldest active geocache in the world. First hidden in May 2000, this unassuming container along a Kansas highway has drawn thousands of cachers from across the globe. Signing Mingo’s log is a true rite of passage.
3. Beverly – GC28 (Illinois)
📅 Placed: May 2000
📍 Near Bloomington, Illinois
Beverly is the oldest active cache east of the Mississippi River and one of the most visited historic hides in the U.S. Its long history and easy accessibility make it a favorite stop for cachers driving through the Midwest.
4. Mission 9: Tunnel of Light – GC1169 (Washington)
📅 Placed: July 2001 (Tribute version active today)
📍 Snoqualmie Tunnel, Iron Horse State Park, Washington
Originally one of the famous “Project A.P.E.” caches hidden to promote Planet of the Apes in 2001, the Tunnel of Light cache lives on today as a tribute. It’s hidden inside the dark, 2.3-mile Snoqualmie railway tunnel — an unforgettable geocaching experience.
5. Potlatch Cache – GCD (Washington)
📅 Placed: September 2000
📍 Near Lake Cushman, Washington
This cache is the oldest active geocache in Washington and one of the oldest in the entire world. Nestled in the forest near Lake Cushman, it’s a challenging hike but a rewarding visit for those who want a taste of early geocaching history.
6. Original Can of Beans Tribute – GCF55 (Oregon)
📅 Placed: May 2003 (as a tribute)
📍 Near Portland, Oregon
Known as the “OCB,” the Original Can of Beans is the last remaining piece of swag from the very first geocache ever placed. While the actual can is now preserved as a collectible, a tribute cache celebrates its legacy. It’s a quirky and fun stop for geocachers chasing history.
Why These Caches Matter
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They connect you to the very roots of the game.
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They’re part of many cachers’ lifetime goals.
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They’ve stood the test of time through years of finds and DNFs.
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They turn a road trip into a piece of geocaching history.
Final Thoughts
From the Oregon forests to the Kansas plains, America is home to some of the most historic and iconic caches in the world. Whether you’re after the legendary GC30 (Mingo) or the birthplace plaque of GC92, these hides prove that geocaching is more than a hobby — it’s living history.
👉 Ready to place a cache that lasts? Stock up on durable containers, waterproof logs, and stickers at Big B’s Cache Supplies. Who knows — maybe your hide will become a piece of geocaching history someday!