Geocaching: A Treasure Hunt Born from GPS Revolution
On May 2, 2000, the U.S. government enacted a pivotal change by lifting restrictions on GPS technology, leading to more precise navigation. This landmark event, celebrated as “Blue Switch Day,” unexpectedly spawned an exciting new hobby: geocaching. What began in Oregon has now grown into a global phenomenon, with approximately 3.3 million hidden caches worldwide.
Geocaching is an engaging outdoor treasure hunt where participants hide containers, or caches, and share their GPS coordinates online. With distances to search generally limited to about 16 feet, enthusiasts embark on quests, often with the aid of smartphones—though early adventurers relied on handheld GPS devices. PJ Hubbard, treasurer of GEOregon, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the state’s geocaching community, is a passionate participant, having discovered over 9,000 caches in just seven years.
“What makes geocaching special is how hidden yet accessible these caches are,” Hubbard points out. Indeed, the allure of the hunt often lies in the clever placement of containers—a challenge that can be as clever as it is frustrating. One notable example involved a cache hidden in an old toilet in Buffalo, NY.
Geocaching also fosters community engagement. GEOregon recently hosted a "Cache In Trash Out" (CITO) event to clean up public spaces, showcasing the hobby’s commitment to both adventure and environmental responsibility. The very first geocache, hidden by Dave Olmer in Estacada, Oregon, remains a point of nostalgia and inspiration for many.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of this unique pastime, GEOregon plans a Block Party at Champoeg State Park on September 13, 2025. As Hubbard notes, “Ninety-nine percent of you have walked past a geocache today. You just didn’t know it.”
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