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Geocaching has been a central part of our lives for more than 15 years, turning our travels into thrilling adventures across the globe. What started as a quirky hobby has grown into a tradition for us—we make it a point to find at least one cache wherever we travel. So far, we’ve found caches in 36 countries and even one in Antarctica. Just recently, during a trip to Terceira Island in the Azores, my wife Kris celebrated her 2,000th cache find—an exciting milestone in our geocaching journey. For us, geocaching isn’t just about finding hidden containers; it’s about discovering new places, creating lasting memories, and adding an extra layer of adventure to every trip.
If you’ve never tried geocaching before, it’s an accessible and fun way to explore the world, whether right in your own backyard or during your next travel adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on your own geocaching journeys.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is often described as using “multi-million dollar satellites to find Tupperware in the woods,” and while that may sound odd, it’s an accurate description! In essence, geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity where participants use GPS devices or smartphones to find hidden containers, or "caches," at specific coordinates. These caches can range in size from tiny containers barely larger than a thimble to larger boxes that hold trinkets, trackable items, and a logbook for finders to sign.
The beauty of geocaching is that it’s global—there are over 3 million caches hidden all over the world, and each one has a story. Some are easy to spot, while others may be cleverly disguised or require solving puzzles before being uncovered. Whether you're walking down a local path or exploring a new city, geocaching adds an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
A Brief History of Geocaching
Geocaching began on May 3, 2000, shortly after the U.S. government made GPS technology available for public use. The first cache, referred to as a "stash" at the time, was hidden in Oregon by Dave Ulmer. He posted its coordinates online and challenged others to find it. The idea caught on quickly, and the game evolved into the global phenomenon we know today.
Today, a plaque marks the location of that original "stash," commemorating the start of geocaching. We had the chance to visit the plaque and log the cache hidden there now during a trip to Oregon, making it an important moment in our geocaching journey.
Since that first cache, geocaching has spread worldwide, with millions of people participating and countless caches hidden in locations ranging from city parks to remote mountain trails. Each geocache offers a unique experience, and the community of geocachers is as diverse as the places the game takes you.
How Does Geocaching Work?
Geocaching is easy to get started with. Here’s a quick guide:
Download the Geocaching App: There are apps available for both iOS and Android, or you can visit Geocaching.com. This is where you’ll find the coordinates of caches near your location.
Choose a Cache: Each cache listing includes details such as the difficulty level, terrain, and size of the container. You can pick a cache that matches your experience level or challenge yourself with a more complex one.
Navigate to the Cache: Using your GPS device or smartphone, follow the coordinates to the general location of the cache. Most apps will provide hints or descriptions to help you zero in on the exact hiding spot.
Find the Cache: Once you find the cache, open it, sign the logbook to record your discovery, and, if it contains items, feel free to take one as long as you leave something of equal or greater value behind for the next geocacher.
Log Your Find: After finding the cache, you can log your discovery on the app or website to share your experience with the global geocaching community.
Types of Geocaches
Geocaches come in a variety of forms, but here are the most popular types you’re likely to find:
Traditional Cache: The most straightforward type—find the container at the coordinates listed.
Multi-Cache: This requires visiting multiple locations to get clues or solve puzzles before reaching the final cache.
Virtual Cache: Instead of a physical container, a Virtual Cache brings you to a significant location, where you’ll complete a task or answer questions about the site.
Event Cache: Organized meet-ups where geocachers gather to share stories and hunt caches together. These range from casual gatherings to large Mega-Events with more than 300 geocachers or even Giga-Events with over 5,000 participants.
Other Types: This includes Mystery or Puzzle Caches, EarthCaches, Letterbox Hybrids, and more.
Why Geocaching is So Popular
What makes geocaching such a popular activity is the sense of adventure and discovery. It’s not just about finding the cache; it’s about the places you explore and the thrill of the hunt. Geocaching can take you off the beaten path, introduce you to hidden gems in your local area, or guide you to spots you might never have known existed while traveling.
Event caches, for example, have become an increasingly popular way for geocachers to meet, connect, and share experiences. We’ve attended multiple Mega-Events over the years, including Geocoinfest, MOGA (a geocaching competition-type event), and even the 2015 Geocaching Block Party at the Geocaching HQ in Seattle. While traveling, we’ve also joined events in Prague and Havana, which allowed us to connect with local geocachers and explore new parts of the world through the game. These gatherings bring together geocachers from all over, offering the perfect opportunity to celebrate the game, trade stories, and take part in exciting challenges.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to embark on your first geocaching adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Always Bring a Pen or Pencil: Many caches, especially smaller ones, don’t contain a writing utensil. Be sure to bring one to sign the logbook.
Bring a Small Item to Trade: If the cache contains trinkets, take one and leave something of equal or greater value for the next adventurer.
Respect the Environment: Geocaching often takes place in natural areas. Be mindful of your surroundings and always practice “Cache In, Trash Out” (CITO) to help keep the environment clean.
Stay Safe: If you’re heading into more remote areas, let someone know where you’re going and be prepared for the terrain.
Have Fun: Geocaching is all about the journey. Even if you don’t find a cache on your first try, enjoy the adventure and keep hunting!
Geocaching turns the world around you into a treasure map waiting to be explored. Whether you're hiking through a national park, visiting a foreign city, or simply taking a walk in your neighborhood, geocaching adds a dash of excitement to any outing. So, grab your smartphone, choose a cache, and dive into the world of geocaching—you never know what you’ll discover next!
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